The CAA outlines ATOL reforms
The CAA has published a paper outlining the proposed ATOL reforms to prepare the industry for its implementation next April.
The Information Paper spells out various reforms including the Department of Transport’s ‘Flight-Plus’ scheme covering air holidays not currently protected.
The CAA is also looking for industry feedback ahead of a six-week consultation to be held in the New Year.
The ‘Flight Plus’ scheme – which covers flights and other components such as accommodation and car hire – means that all customers booking ATOL-protected holidays will be eligible for repatriation and refund.
This also applies to customers booking ‘Flight-only’.
But those booking separate components through retailers who are not ATOL-protected will not be covered for their holiday.
The Department of Transport is planning an ‘ATOL Certificate’ to be issued at point of sale which will outline what is covered by the ATOL.
In the case of retailers packaging without ATOL protection, only the flight would appear on the certificate.
Customers would then have to find financial protection for the other elements elsewhere.
Richard Jackson, director of consumer protection at the CAA said: "We will be working with the travel industry to help them fully understand the proposals, so they are ready to implement them next April.
“In advance of final decisions from the Government, we will be working closely with the travel trade to get their input on these proposals. We plan to consult formally on them in the new year."
Final details on the planned reforms will be published before the end of 2011.
The CAA is working on a programme of awareness and education to help industry staff from front line travel agents to senior management understand the proposals and how they will affect their businesses.
Click here to see Information paper on CAA website.
By Diane Evans
Diane
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