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Book direct or through travel agent?

I am about to book a some flights with Iberia out of the UK, travelling within EU. Total value about £500. Is it safer for me to book these through a travel agent to obtain ABTA protection? Or would I enjoy the same rights of consumer protection booking it direct with the airline? I’m not suggesting that Iberia is a particular financial risk but in these troubled times the true position of any commercial organisation is never clear.

Comments

  • IvanOpinion
    IvanOpinion Posts: 22,136 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Assuming the price is the same I would use the TA ... if for no other reason than if something goes wrong I want to be able to go in and shout at someone and expect them to do necessary leg work for me, rather than rely on my email being ignored!

    ivan
    I don't care about your first world problems; I have enough of my own!
  • If you book flights plus accommodation through an agent, you'll be protected by ATOL. Your money is protected by travel agent's client account facilities - even if they aren't part of ABTA
    [FONT=&quot]I am a Travel Agent [/FONT]
    [FONT=&quot]My company’s ATOL/ABTA numbers are S0466/3973. MSE doesn't check my status as a Travel Agent, so you need to take my word for it. Atol numbers can be checked with the Civil Aviation Authority. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Travel Agent Code of Conduct.[/FONT]
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