Booking a Package Holiday

TRAVEL · GLOBAL

Booking a Package Holiday

Why packages are protected, what counts as a package, insurance and payment

How you book determines what protection you have if something goes wrong, and the difference is larger than most travellers realise.

Packages are protected

A package — flights and accommodation bought together from one seller — carries legal protection in the UK and EU. The organiser is responsible for the whole holiday, must repatriate you if it fails, and must refund you if it is cancelled.

Booking a flight and a hotel separately gives you two contracts and none of that protection.

ATOL and bonding

In the UK, flight-inclusive packages must be ATOL protected, and you should receive an ATOL certificate immediately. If you do not, something is wrong.

Other arrangements are covered by different schemes, so ask what protects your money specifically.

Linked travel arrangements

Adding a hotel through a link after booking a flight can create a lesser category with weaker protection. Buying everything in one transaction is what triggers the full rules.

Paying

A credit card gives additional protection on qualifying purchases in the UK. Never pay by bank transfer to an individual, and be wary of pressure to complete quickly.

Insurance

Buy it when you book rather than before you travel, since cancellation cover starts from purchase. Declare medical conditions honestly, and check the cover for the activities you actually plan.

Check what the policy says about missed departures and airline failure.

When something goes wrong

Keep everything in writing, photograph problems, and raise them with the organiser at the time rather than only afterwards. Package rules require the organiser to put things right.

Flight delay and cancellation compensation is separate and depends on the airline, the distance and the cause.

Booking well

Check what the transfer involves, how far the hotel actually is from what you want to see, and read recent reviews rather than the headline rating.

Travel documents

Check passport validity rules for the destination, since many require several months remaining and count from the date of entry. Check visa or travel authorisation requirements, which have changed across Europe.

Photograph documents and store copies somewhere you can reach without your phone.

Money

Tell your bank you are travelling, carry a second card stored separately, and check foreign transaction fees before relying on one card.

Accessibility

Tell the airline and the hotel about mobility needs, equipment and assistance at booking rather than at the airport. Assistance must be requested in advance, usually at least 48 hours.

Check the property has the access it claims, since photographs rarely show steps.

Before you go

Check passport validity rules for your destination, visa requirements and any entry fees, which have changed across Europe.

Leave a copy of the itinerary with someone at home.

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