Football fans wanting to book travel to the Champions League and Europa League finals are being warned about fake package deals.
The Civil Aviation Authority has launched a campaign advising fans about the dangers of being conned by companies falsely posing as legitimate travel agents.
It comes after four English teams reached the finals in European tournaments.
Chelsea and Arsenal are playing in the Europa League final in Baku in Azerbaijan on May 29 and Tottenham and Liverpool will be going head to head in the Champions League final in Madrid on June 1.
Andy Cohen, head of ATOL at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "The dedication and support of football fans is without question. As some of the most passionate fans in the world, seeing four English teams in the European finals make these matches a once in a lifetime opportunity for some. If fortunate enough to get a ticket, it is essential that travellers check for financial protection before booking their trips.
"Using a reputable travel company is essential but, above and beyond this, it is vitally important that your travel company offers ATOL financial protection when booking as a package."
More than 40,000 tickets to the finals will be sold to English fans – 32,000 for the Champions League in Madrid and 12,000 for the Europa League in Baku.
Agents have already been working hard to secure flights and accommodation for their clients, but prices have soared.
Getting to Baku might involve transfers, trains, different airlines and potential stop-overs in Moscow, Istanbul and Izmir in Turkey.
"Unfortunately, unlawful travel agents may use the urgency to pressure travellers into purchasing unlawful or fake package deals," said the CAA.
It issued the following advice to fans:
– Look out for the ATOL logo – this is usually found on your travel company’s website, brochure or shop front.
– Research the travel company to ensure their ATOL protection is legitimate – go to www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk and check the company’s name on our database.
– Watch out for hidden costs – luggage and transfer fees can very quickly add up.
– Check for financial protection if booking with a non-UK based company – there are some non-UK travel companies which offer travel to UK consumers, but these will often not be ATOL protected. Do your research and check what financial protection they provide and, if in doubt, book using a credit card, ensuring you are protected up to the value of £30,000 under UK law.
– If going to Baku, you will need a visa for the whole of your journey – this includes any stops-overs.
– Visit www.packpeaceofmind.co.uk for more information about ATOL protection.
