Overhaul of holiday protection scheme gets underway by Cheap Flights Booker UK

The government has announced that its radical overhaul of the Air Travel Organisers" Licensing (Atol) scheme is now underway, with plans in place to extend the programme to cover up to 6m extra holidays.

A consultation running until 15 September features proposals including the extension of Atol protection to cover "flight-plus" holidays, which comprise flights and other trip components bought within two successive days.

Recognisable Atol certificates have also been put forward for consideration, with the aim of ensuring that all customers are fully aware of their rights for refunds or repatriation should their provider go bust while they are travelling.

Aviation minister Theresa Villiers noted that the chance of a holiday company collapsing while its customers are abroad is very low, but stressed that the impact of such events can be very significant.

"We have always been clear about our commitment to modernising the Atol scheme, and these proposals are an important step towards achieving just that," she added.

"As well as ensuring up to 6m additional holidays are protected, these proposals will help steer the scheme"s finances on to a more sustainable path for the future."

Dame Deidre Hutton, chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, welcomed the plans for reform and said they will "bring clarity for consumers".


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