What does ATOL protection cover and how do I check my holiday is protected?
The short answer
ATOL protects you when you book a package trip that includes a flight with a UK travel company. If the company stops trading, ATOL can refund you if you have not yet travelled or get you home if you are already away. It is separate from travel insurance and does not cover problems such as delays or lost luggage.
What does ATOL protection cover?
ATOL is described by the Civil Aviation Authority as financial protection for package trips that include a flight. It is not travel insurance. The ATOL scheme says its trust fund is used to repatriate, refund or reimburse you if your travel operator stops trading.
In practice that means two things, according to the ATOL site: your money back if your provider fails before you leave, and a flight home if the firm fails while you are already on your break.
What does ATOL not cover?
The ATOL site lists several things it does not cover. Those problems should go to your travel provider or your travel insurer instead.
- Cancellations, complaints, sickness, injury or hygiene problems during the holiday
- Flight cancellations, delays, missed flights or changes to passenger details
- Accommodation problems, including food or cleanliness
- Accommodation-only bookings, which have no flight
- Missed transfers and lost or damaged luggage
- Vouchers offered instead of a refund, which the ATOL site says are not ATOL protected
How do I check my holiday is ATOL protected?
When you book an ATOL protected trip, your travel company must give you an ATOL Certificate as soon as you pay any money. The certificate shows which parts of your holiday are protected and names the ATOL holder, usually the operator. It also includes instructions on how to make a claim if the company goes out of business, so keep it with your travel documents.
To check a company, the CAA offers a search tool for businesses that hold an ATOL or belong to an ATOL accredited body. The ATOL site also warns about websites that have falsely claimed to hold an ATOL or that their holidays are protected, and lists them under websites to avoid.
What if only my flight or only my hotel is booked?
The ATOL site says accommodation-only bookings are not ATOL protected because they include no flight. Protection is tied to the package that includes the flight, so check your certificate to see exactly which elements it lists.
Sources: ATOL: what is ATOL, ATOL: what ATOL does not cover, CAA: Check an ATOL. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is ATOL the same as travel insurance?
No. The ATOL site says it is separate to travel insurance. It deals with a travel company failing, not with illness, delays or lost luggage.
When should I receive my ATOL Certificate?
The ATOL site says your travel company will give you one as soon as you pay any money for an ATOL protected trip.
Does ATOL cover a flight delay or cancellation?
No. The ATOL site lists flight cancellations, delays and missed flights as outside ATOL. It says package holiday regulations may still give you a refund claim against your operator.
Is a voucher instead of a refund ATOL protected?
No. The ATOL site says vouchers offered instead of a refund are not ATOL protected.
How do I claim if my travel company fails?
Your ATOL Certificate includes instructions on how to claim. The CAA also has a Make an ATOL claim page covering refunds and flights home when a travel company goes out of business.