The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has warned teachers to check any overseas trips are ATOL protected before booking, to avoid losing up to £750 per student if the travel company ceases trading.
ATOL (the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protects package trips and safeguards against parents being left out of pocket or have their children stranded abroad in the event of the travel operator going bust.
Andy Cohen, head of ATOL at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Without ATOL protection, even if the travel company does successfully organise a package trip, students could be left in vulnerable positions. It is vital that schools ensure they are booking an ATOL protected package and that all aspects of their booking are protected.”
If trip organisers are worried about their travel arrangements - especially if they are of a specialist nature, they are urged to seek out and ATOL protected provider.
