Atol News
ATOL scheme to be extended to internet bookings
Holidaymakers who book trips on the internet will get new protections so they are not left stranded abroad or lose money if their travel firm goes bust, the UK government has said.
ABTA/ATOL joint administration scheme numbers grow
ABTA – The Travel Association announced today that the number of ABTA Members using the ABTA-ATOL Joint Administration Scheme has grown by a third in the last twelve months from 116 to 164 companies. The ABTA/ATOL scheme was introduced in 2012 to provide Members with a simple and cost-effective scheme enabling Members to apply for an ATOL licence through ABTA with lower fees.
New ATOL certificate comes into force
New ATOL Certificates have come into force and will now be given to anyone buying a holiday protected by the ATOL scheme. Announced by aviation minister Simon Burns, the scheme is designed to better protect holidaymakers from losing out if their travel company fails.
ABTA responds to publication of department for transport ATOL regulations
ABTA – The Travel Association today provides its initial response to publication of the Department for Transport’s ATOL Reform Regulations. Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive, ABTA said: “ABTA supports the extension of consumer protection for holidays and believes the concept of Flight Plus is the right first step towards achieving this, with the inclusion of holidays sold by airlines an essential second step.
ABTA responds to department for transport’s ATOL reform announcement
ABTA – The Travel Association today responds to the Department for Transport’s announcement on reform of the ATOL scheme of financial protection. In its announcement today, the DfT outlined a series of reforms that will be introduced effective from 30th April 2012, key among them a new concept that will see ‘Flight Plus’ holidays receive the same financial protection as flight-based package holidays through the ATOL scheme.
Department for transport announces ATOL reforms
The British department for transport has announced a series of reforms to the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme, which insures passengers against the collapse of a tour operator. Effective from April 30th 2012, ‘Flight Plus’ holidays will receive the same financial protection as flight-based package holidays through the ATOL scheme.
Airlines fight back over ATOL reform proposals
The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK) has presented strong concerns to the Dft over the ATOL Reform Consultation which closes on 15 September.
ATOL scheme extended to protect six million extra holidaymakers
The UK government is to offer greater financial protection for millions more package holidaymakers under the ATOL scheme. The programme, which is run by the CAA, currently covers against tour operator collapses but the new proposals will be extended to include air ticket-only trips.
Government’s ATOL reform consultation will take a more rounded view says DfT
Speaking today at ABTA’s Travel Law Seminar, Kate Jennings, Head Aviation Policy Implementation for the Department for Transport, confirmed that the government still expects reform of the current system of ATOL financial protection
Top travel execs and CAA to debate ATOL Reform
The first results of the Department of Transport ATOL Reform consultation will be unveiled at the end of April.
UK government backs ATOL overhaul
British travellers are poised to receive greater protection should an airline go bankrupt, following government plans for an overhaul to the ATOL protection system.
Further agony for XL customers
A U-turn by ATOL means thousands of holidaymakers caught up in the collapse of XL Leisure are facing yet further delays in their compensations claims.Package holidays booked with the failed leisure giant were covered by the Civil Aviation Authority‘s ATOL bonding scheme, meaning victims could claim their money back. However ATOL is now using a legal loophole to shift the onus on to credit card companies for customers who paid fully or partly with plastic.