Dynamically packaged holidays

[Deleted User]

Can anyone shed any light on whether a traditional package offers more protection than a "dynamically" packaged holiday?

I'm thinking of booking my next holiday through one of the big name travel agents for a bit of winter sun, however a trend that I've noticed is "dynamic" packaging where the flight/hotel offering is done by a third party. I am beginning to wonder if the protection is actually worth the paper it is written on in this case?

Have been browsing packages with Thomas Cook, and I've noticed some of their packages are offered as a Flexible Trips type package, which seems to incorporate use of third party suppliers, rather than just offering a package in the traditional sense. I'm a little wary of what that implies as I'm not sure if Thomas Cook would actually be responsible for a problem with flights operated by a third party for example?

I will say though that I'm comfortable enough with the idea of having a lack of protection if it is likely to reduce cost. I have typically gone on city break type holidays to destinations where packaged holidays are simply not an option, so although I have travelled, I'm less familiar with what to expect when visiting somewhere popular.

richardw

If you want the benefits of the package travel regulations, book a true package holiday.
If you want the benefits of the ATOL scheme book a flight+hotel or flight+car combination.
If you want the benefits of EU reg 261:2004 book flights on an EU based operating air carrier.

Where in the UK are you?

[Deleted User]

richardw wrote: »

Where in the UK are you?

Based in Scotland.

leylandsunaddict

Involving a 3rd party doesn't necessarily mean it isn't a package. A proper dynamic package is a true package. It's no different to a tailor made package. It doesn't matter if the agent or tour operator buys from separate suppliers. Everything is booked in one transaction, and is sold at an inclusive price. Flexible Trips are packages, just tailor made ones which offer more flexibility than buying an off the shelf package with no choice of airline, flight times etc.

Before flight plus ie flight and accommodation or flight and car hire booked either at the same time through the same agent, or within 24 hours of each other, most online agents sold dynamic bundles which weren't protected. The majority of online agents now hold an Atol and usually sell flight plus, not packages.

Both packages and flight plus are Atol protected, but only packages are covered under the Package Regs.