‘Millions at risk taking DIY holidays’ – CAA
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
Phil Davies
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Digital Travel Reporter of the Mirror totally seduced by HotelPlanner AI Travel Agent
Strike action set to cause travel chaos at Brussels airports
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025