Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock is urging local residents to pack peace of mind when purchasing their holidays this year, by making sure they book an ATOL-protected trip.
The ATOL scheme is there to protect people against the risk of their travel company going bust: ensuring they can continue their holiday and return home safely if the company collapses whilst they are away; or providing refunds if they’re yet to travel.
With over two million ATOL-protected air holidays expected to be sold in the UK during January - the scheme will give holidaymakers in South Basildon and East Thurrock peace of mind that their hard earned holiday will not be lost.
During 2012, Parliament agreed two key changes to the scheme to widen protection and help people understand when they are protected. Holidays known by the industry as ‘Flight-Plus’ are now included in the scheme, as well as traditional package holidays. A ‘Flight-Plus’ booking is one that includes a flight plus accommodation and/or car hire, so long as these separate parts of the holiday are booked with the same company and within a day of each other.
The second change agreed by Parliament in 2012 saw the introduction of the ATOL certificate; offering consumers greater clarity on how their holiday is protected. Anyone who books an ATOL-protected trip will now receive an ATOL certificate from their travel company as soon as they make any payment. The certificate tells them what is protected, who is protecting it and what to do if something goes wrong.
Stephen Metcalfe said: In these difficult economic times, holidays are more valuable than ever and I am pleased that this has been recognised in Parliament through changes to the ATOL scheme. I would hate to think of people losing their money, and their holiday when there are ways in which the risk can be avoided. I would to thank the Peace of Mind campaign for drawing my attention to this issue and hope that people will act on the message.”
Anyone wishing to book an ATOL-protected air holiday can check if a company provides protection by looking for the ATOL logo on their promotional material, or searching the company’s name at www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk. More information about what’s covered by the scheme and how the ATOL certificate works is also available from this site.
Mr Metcalfe added: “If you are not booking trips covered by the ATOL scheme such as those without flights or holidays booked directly with airlines, I would also urge you to seek alternative methods of protection. This may be getting insurance, or paying with a credit card. Whatever you do, protect your hard earned holiday!”
