What are ABTA and ATOL? Essential travel protection explained

When planning a holiday, you want to know that your money and your trip are safe. Especially for those once-in-a-lifetime escapes or big family getaways, it’s worth double-checking how you’re protected if your plans take an unexpected turn.

That’s where ABTA and ATOL step in. These two essential schemes help keep your holiday fund secure and your plans on track. In this quick guide, we’ll show you what they do, why they matter, and how to check if you’re covered – before you book.

What is ABTA?

ABTA stands for the Association of British Travel Agents. It’s a UK group representing trusted travel agents and tour operators – and it’s good news for you if your holiday’s covered it.

When you book with an ABTA member, you’ll have:

• Cover for things like cruises, coach trips or rail holidays
• Help if your travel company goes out of business
• Support if things don’t go to plan

ABTA also makes sure its members follow a strict Code of Conduct – so you’ll get clear information, high service standards and fair treatment if something goes wrong.

Example: Say you book a coach holiday to Europe and the company goes under before your trip. If they’re ABTA protected, you could get a refund or a replacement holiday.

Want even more peace of mind? Explore our tips for how to make the most of your summer with the right Travel Insurance.

What is ATOL?

ATOL stands for the Air Travel Organiser’s Licence, which is run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). ATOL protects most air-based holiday packages, including:

• Package holidays with flights
• Some flight-only bookings
• Flight-plus hotel or car hire deals

If the airline or travel firm goes out of business, ATOL ensures you won’t lose your money – and that you won’t be stranded abroad.

Example: You’re in Spain when your ATOL-protected travel firm goes bust. Thanks to the scheme, you’ll still get home safely – without paying a penny more.

Planning a long flight? Don’t miss our expert tips to help you prepare for long-haul flights.

Differences between ABTA and ATOL

Although both schemes offer financial protection, they apply to different types of travel:

Quick tip: You may be covered by ABTA, ATOL, both, or neither, depending on what and where you book. Always double-check before paying.

ABTA and ATOL at a glance

ABTA protects land/sea-based holiday packages and ensures high customer service standards.

ATOL protects flight-inclusive holidays from financial collapse and repatriation issues.

Booking with both offers dual-layer protection for many types of holidays.

What does ABTA and ATOL protected mean?

Choosing a holiday protected by both ABTA and ATOL means your money – and your trip – are in safe hands. These schemes are there to protect you financially and give you peace of mind if your plans go off track.

Here’s what that really means for you:

• If your tour operator goes bust, you’ll get a full refund or be brought home at no extra cost.
• You’ll have access to support services and clear complaint procedures.
• You can book with confidence, knowing you’re covered by consumer protection you can trust.

ABTA and ATOL protected holidays: what to look for

When booking your next holiday, look for companies that offer both ABTA and ATOL protection. This is especially common among UK-based travel providers offering full package deals that include flights, hotels, and possibly ground transport or cruises.

Here’s what to check:

• Does the provider list a valid ABTA number?
• Do you receive an ATOL Certificate right after booking?
• Are the terms and cancellation policies clear and transparent?

Travel providers with both protections offer the highest level of consumer reassurance, so it’s often worth paying slightly more for peace of mind.

For a smoother holiday, have a look at our 10 essential travel hacks to make your next trip a breeze.

How to check if your holiday is protected

Before you book that dream escape, it’s worth taking a moment to double-check your protection. It’s quick to do – and could save you a lot of stress (and money) later.

Here’s how to make sure your holiday is ABTA and ATOL protected:

Check for the ABTA number

Most trustworthy travel companies display their ABTA membership number on their website, usually in the footer or on the booking page. You can:

• Look for the ABTA logo and membership number
• Visit abta.com to verify the company is listed and see what protection you’re entitled to

Tip: Booking through an ABTA member also gives you access to their complaints resolution service – a handy safety net if something doesn’t go to plan.

Check your ATOL certificate

If your holiday includes flights, you should receive an ATOL certificate as soon as you book. This is your official proof of protection.

Make sure you:

• Get the certificate straight after booking – by email or post
• Check the details are correct, including your name and the trip itinerary
• Visit caa.co.uk/atol-protection to learn more or confirm your certificate

Important: If you don’t get an ATOL certificate, your trip might not be protected under the scheme. Don’t be afraid to ask your travel provider directly – they should be able to confirm.

Is ABTA or ATOL better?

It’s not a matter of one being better – each serves a different purpose:

• ABTA is ideal for land and sea holidays (e.g., UK coach tours, cruises)
• ATOL is essential for any trip that includes air travel

If you’re booking a package holiday abroad that includes flights and accommodation, make sure it’s ATOL protected. If you’re travelling by coach or ship, ABTA cover provides peace of mind.

Travel with confidence

We believe you should feel protected every step of the way, from the moment you book to the day you head home. That starts with knowing your holiday is backed by ABTA or ATOL, and continues with the right Travel Insurance.

So while you’re planning the fun bits – where to eat, what to pack, and which poolside book to bring – we’ll take care of the ‘what-ifs’.

And if you’re living with a medical condition, we’re here for you too. We offer specialist Travel Insurance that covers: All medical conditions. All ages. All destinations.

Because everyone deserves the right to travel with confidence.

ABTA and ATOL FAQs

Do I still need travel insurance if my holiday is ATOL protected?

Yes, you definitely do. ATOL protection only covers the financial side of your holiday booking, such as providing a refund if the travel firm goes bust or getting you home if you’re stranded abroad. It does not cover your personal circumstances, such as falling ill before travel, having to cancel due to a family emergency, or needing medical treatment abroad.

To be fully protected, especially for unexpected medical costs or lost baggage, you’ll need a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy in place. ATOL and Travel Insurance work together, but they do not overlap.

Can a holiday be both ABTA and ATOL protected?

Yes, they can. In fact, many holidays booked with reputable UK-based tour operators are protected by both ABTA and ATOL. This usually applies to flight-inclusive package holidays or cruises that include both air travel and land-based arrangements.

ABTA covers the non-flight parts of your trip – like hotel stays, rail or cruise segments, and customer service standards – while ATOL protects the flight component and ensures financial cover if the airline or travel company fails.

Both types of protection offer complete consumer security, making your holiday more resilient if things go wrong.

Does ABTA cover medical emergencies or baggage loss?

No, ABTA does not cover personal travel issues like medical emergencies, lost luggage, travel delays, or cancellations due to illness. ABTA is designed to:

• Protect you financially if your travel company goes out of business
• Support you in disputes with ABTA-registered travel providers
• Promote high standards of service through its Code of Conduct

But for anything related to your health, belongings, or personal travel problems, you’ll need Travel Insurance. A specialist policy, such as one tailored to medical conditions, gives you protection that ABTA does not.

Is ATOL protection automatic?

Only when you book through a UK-based ATOL-licensed company. If you’re booking a holiday that includes flights, your provider is legally required to issue an ATOL Certificate within 24 hours of payment.

However, ATOL is not automatic for DIY trips – for example, if you book a flight directly with an airline and then arrange your accommodation separately through a non-UK website. In these cases, your booking may not be protected under ATOL.

To be sure, always check the ATOL number of the company you’re booking with, and make sure you receive a valid certificate soon after confirming your trip.