Are Flights ATOL Protected When Booked via Travel Agents?

Chubba

Hi
Just wondering out of general interest - if flights only are booked via a travel agent, is that ATOL protected (or any protection) if the airline goes bust?  I can find information that says, package holidays are generally ATOL covered but I can't find answer to if only the flights are booked.
Thanks

bradders1983

If they went bust you would claim off your credit card. No, flight only is not ATOL protected in any way.

MATTR5

Bradders thats not really correct - Flight only is not ATOL protected if booked directly with the Airline - If booked through a Travel Agent that is ATOL then it will be most likely - Chubba you need to check with the Agent that your contract is with them not the Airline before you book but you should be covered - ask for an ATOL certificate and avoid Agents that charge admin fees for amending your booking as you really are likely to have to amend these days.  Someone like Trailfinders, Flight Centre, STA etc 
And I'm not saying this to get business - I don't sell Flight only

I am a Travel Agent

My company’s ABTA/ATOL numbers are G9172/6053. MSE doesn't check my status as a Travel Agent, so you need to take my word for it. You can check my ATOL with the CAA. This signature is here as I follow MSE's Travel Agent Code of Conduct.

bagand96

Most agents do not ATOL bond flight only, and therefore do not issue ATOL certificates for flight only sales.

There are some circumstances where a flight only may be ATOL protected, for example if the tickets are not issued immediately, however these are the exception rather than the rule.