Key Takeaways
- UK holidaymakers lost £11 million to fraud in 2024
- Londoners were hardest hit with nearly £2.5 million in losses
- CAA warns travelers to verify ATOL protection before booking
- Using credit cards and travel insurance provides additional safeguards
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has issued a stark warning as Black Friday travel deals begin, revealing that holiday fraud cost British travelers a massive £11 million in 2024 alone. London residents suffered the highest losses at nearly £2.5 million, with significant fraud also reported across West Midlands (£546,000), Greater Manchester (£508,000), and Hampshire (£482,000).
Protection Measures for Holiday Shoppers
With countless travel deals expected through Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, the CAA urges caution when booking discounted holidays. The authority emphasizes that companies selling air package holidays in the UK must hold ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection.
Selina Chadha, Group Director of Consumers & Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, stated: ‘Holiday fraud is a growing concern, especially around major sales events like Travel Tuesday. With over £11 million lost in 2024 alone, it’s important that consumers are equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.’
Essential Safety Checks
Before making any payments, travelers should verify their holiday package includes ATOL protection. This ensures customers remain protected if the travel company ceases trading before their trip. You should receive an ATOL Certificate confirming what’s covered.
The CAA also recommends:
- Using a credit card for bookings to gain protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act
- Taking out comprehensive travel insurance for cancellations and emergencies
Chadha added: ‘Before booking, check that your travel provider is an ATOL holder and that your holiday is ATOL protected. Using a credit card and taking out travel insurance can also provide extra peace of mind if things don’t go to plan.’
