United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
ATOL overhaul ‘doesn’t go far enough’
Wednesday, 11 Dec, 2009
0
An overhaul of the ATOL passenger protection scheme does not go far enough, according to consumer watchdog Which? Holiday.
A ‘flight plus’ element is to be suggested in an effort to close the passenger protection loophole when different travel components are booked together with a flight.
Responding to the revamp of the system announced by transport secretary Lord Adonis, the body’s head of research Rochelle Turner said: “The ATOL scheme in its current form provides great protection for anyone taking a package holiday or booking through an ATOL bonded agent.
“But a significant number of people book hotels from direct links on airline websites, or use online travel agents to book their own package, and could be left without the peace of mind that they are protected should something go wrong.
“While it’s great that the Government is taking steps to make the scheme relevant to today’s holidaymaker, we are concerned it doesn’t go far enough to ensure that all travellers are equally protected.
“The proposed ‘flight plus’ category needs clarification to prevent consumers being left open to loopholes which may leave them stranded should something go wrong.”
Flight plus’ measures have been proposed whereby ATOL protection would include all sales of a flight together with another significant element, such as hotel accommodation or car hire.
Which? Holiday said it is aware of a growing trend towards “reverse packaging”, where people are booking hotel accommodation and then booking their flights through a link on the hotel website.
This would not be covered under the proposed changes to the ATOL scheme, the body claims.
The proposals to reform the ATOL scheme are designed to reflect changes in the holiday market and make it easier for those booking holidays to understand whether their trip is covered or not, the Department for Transport said.
The changes could see the new wider ‘flight-plus’ category introduced, to make clear that anyone booking a flight and another holiday component such as car hire or hotel will be protected by the scheme.
The ATOL scheme reform plans are subject to a 12-week public consultation.
Detailing the ATOL review, the DfT said: “The objective of the reforms in the consultation is to provide greater clarity for consumers and the travel trade about the scope of ATOL protection for holidays and flights.
“‘Flight plus’ measures are proposed whereby ATOL protection would include all sales of a flight together with another significant holiday element.
“In addition, the consultation provides options to clarify the financial protection of flight-only sales, by parties other than an airline, so as either to include or exclude them from the ATOL scheme.
“It is further proposed that standard ATOL documentation should be issued to passengers so that they are clear about their financial protection status.”
Lord Adonis said: “The ATOL scheme has remained a source of reassurance for travellers since it was drawn up in the 1970s. However, since that time, there have been big changes to travel patterns.
“The concept of a package holiday has become blurred, as many holidays are now sold through mix-and-match components.
“Consumers must be able to make informed choices. The changes we are proposing will help ensure that the scheme remains relevant to the way people book their holidays today and still offers excellent protection for travellers.”
Other changes being confirmed today mean that the Civil Aviation Authority will be given a new primary duty for airport economic regulation to promote the interests of passengers.
Passenger Focus will get new statutory powers to represent air passengers as it already does for rail users and soon will for bus users, building on the work currently done by the Air Transport Users Council.
Lord Adonis said: “These measures will result in real improvements for air passengers and will help ensure that we get the most efficient and competitive aviation sector possible.
“I’d like to thank the Air Transport Users Council for all their work to help passengers. I’m sure Passenger Focus will be a strong champion for their needs going forward."
The same document also sets out the Government’s other proposals to ensure that the CAA can focus on the public interest.
These include new general objectives to ensure that the needs of the consumer and the environment are at the forefront of the CAA’s decisions, whilst maintaining an emphasis on safety; new powers to enable more targeted enforcement; and the ability to secure the publication of information where this is in the public interest.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak