Civil Aviation Authority Decision Leaves Holidaymakers at Risk

Apparently the UK Supreme Court has refused to hear a Civil Aviation Authority appeal in the case against Travel Republic. This now potentially leaves consumers exposed to increased risk. The case was designed to clarify for the travel industry the definition of what a package holiday was.

The Civil Aviation Authority has argued that, whenever a customer booked a flight and another element of a holiday at the same time that it is a package holiday. Under these circumstances, a potential passenger would then be protected under the ATOL scheme if the operator was to go under while on holiday.

Right now, the ATOL scheme only covers complete holidays booked through an agent. However, the Civil Aviation Authority would like to see this rule expanded – mostly to those who compose separate elements of a trip online.

Richard Jackson, the Civil Aviation Authority director of consumer protection, said that over the past year, they have been working with the department of transport on proposals to reform this ATOL scheme. They very much welcome the secretary of state’s recent statement that he too sees the need for reform.

He went on to say that, unfortunately, today’s decision means that much needed clarity will now not be provided through the courts. This makes it even more urgent to push ahead to reform the scheme. This is the only way to ensure that people receive the protection that they expect.

The Civil Aviation Authority is currently calling for the government to introduce the proposed Flight Plus scheme. The Civil Aviation Authority believes that this has to be put in place in order to restore financial protection to consumers who may wrongly believe that they are protected.