Disclosure: SaveBlogers may earn a commission if you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. SaveBlogers is an independent site and is not run by loveholidays. Prices, deposits and offers change often, so always check the latest details on loveholidays.com before booking.

When you book a package holiday from the UK, you will often see the words “ATOL protected”. loveholidays says all its package holidays are ATOL protected. But what does that actually mean for you?

What is ATOL?

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. It is a UK financial protection scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It covers most holidays and flights sold by travel firms based in the UK.

What does it cover?

If an ATOL-protected travel company stops trading, the scheme is designed to help. If you are abroad, it helps you finish your holiday and get home. If you have not travelled yet, it helps you get a refund. The CAA website has full details.

How to check your protection

  • After booking an ATOL-protected package, you should receive an ATOL Certificate. Keep it with your booking confirmation.
  • You can check a company’s ATOL number on the CAA’s ATOL search at caa.co.uk.

What ATOL does not cover

ATOL is not travel insurance. It does not cover illness, lost luggage or a holiday you cancel yourself. Buy suitable travel insurance as soon as you book.

Package holidays vs booking separately

Flights and hotels booked together as a package usually come with more protection than separate bookings. We compare the two in our guide loveholidays package vs booking separately.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the CAA website and your booking terms for the latest rules.

More loveholidays guides on SaveBlogers: All inclusive holidays · Canary Islands · Last-minute deals · Package vs booking separately