Up to 18 million people who put together their own ‘DIY’ holiday this summer could be at risk in the event of company failure, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned.
Although more than nine in ten (92%) of almost 5,000 holiday consumers questioned by the authority considered holiday financial protection to be important, over a third (35%) incorrectly believed that a DIY holiday they put together themselves would be protected should their airline, hotel or car hire company cease trading.
As result, the CAA urged consumers to check that their summer air holidays are financially protected.
Flights and accommodation booked separately as part of a DIY break are unconnected.
If an airline or accommodation provider ceases trading before consumers travel, holidaymakers could be forced to buy alternative, often more expensive, flights or accommodation, the CAA said.
If travellers cannot purchase new flights, they may be unable to claim back money already paid for the unused components of the holiday, such as hotels and car hire.
Consumers could even run the risk of being stranded abroad if their airline went bankrupt during their break, the authority added.
David Clover, a spokesman for the CAA’s ATOL protection scheme, said: “Our research shows that although millions of holidaymakers will build DIY breaks this summer, they don’t always realise they are at risk.
“Holiday purchases are still a significant household purchase so we want consumers to make informed choices about financial protection.”
“Those building their own holidays using different suppliers should be aware that they will not be protected against the risks of insolvency in the same way as booking all elements with one travel company.”
He added: “Booking an entire holiday with one travel company does not mean that consumers have to compromise flexibility for protection. Many travel companies, including those on-line, will provide consumers with the type of holiday they want with the benefit of ATOL protection.
“However, if consumers are booking DIY holidays this summer, we urge them to take their own financial protection measures such as buying with their credit card or taking out adequate insurance which covers against insolvency.”
The CAA is highlighting to holidaymakers the benefits of booking all elements of a holiday together with a single, ATOL-protected travel company.
by Phil Davies
