When an ATOL travel firm goes out of business, the CAA’s job is to look after the customers abroad and make refunds to those who have made bookings but not travelled. There has been a number of large ATOL failures recently, most notably XL Airways.
The CAA estimates over 200,000 people with forward bookings will be affected by the XL Leisure Group failure. We therefore ask claimants to be patient while the CAA puts into place arrangements for processing these claims and make refunds. This will take some weeks. It would be helpful if customers could refrain from telephoning or e-mailing the Claims Unit while these arrangements are made. Instead they should wait for an acknowledgement of their claim and a claim reference number.
More information: XL Leisure Group UK
Further information about Making a Claim: Full List of Failed ATOL Holders
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has commissioned a survey to gain a better understanding of passengers’ views and experiences of air travel in the United Kingdom. The survey is taking place at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports.
Find out more about Passenger Experience Survey
Every year 25,000 British Muslims travel to Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. If you are one of these it is important to ensure your arrangements are ATOL protected. Use the Check an ATOL facility on this page to check that your Hajj tour operator is ATOL protected.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office also provides useful information for Hajj pilgrims.
ATOL is a financial protection scheme for UK tour operators. Over 28 million consumers are protected each year. Make sure your holiday is ATOL protected. Only ATOL tour operators can provide the peace of mind and full financial protection.
Search our database and check your travel company is ATOL protected.
If you have been affected by the failure of an ATOL holder visit our ATOL Claims Department to see if you are entitled to make a claim.
Find out more
Find out how ATOL protects your flights and holidays as well as your money. Learn more about the UK biggest financial protection scheme.
Know your air passenger rights. New European wide regulations ensure you are entitled to certain standards of service and compensation.
If you have a problem with a tour operator, travel agent or aiirline read our advice on how to deal with common problems and complaints.
Our ATOL Trade and Industry pages provide access to all documents and forms to enable you to apply for, maintain and renew your ATOL licence.
