Passenger consumer rights when travelling to the EU
Your rights as a passenger when travelling to the European Union.
UK citizens’ consumer travel rights remain as they were prior to 1 January 2021.
If you are travelling by air, road, rail or sea commercial services, you have the same rights if you are denied boarding, or suffer a cancellation or long delay.
Make sure you have travel insurance
You should have travel insurance before you go away.
You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption.
Contact your insurer if you have any questions.
Follow the travel insurance checklist
Booking your holiday with credit cards
Book travel and holidays with a credit card where possible, as this should give you some protection if your travel firm goes bust. You may be able to get a refund for credit card payments between £100 and £30,000.
ABTA protection
Holidays booked with Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) members provide financial and legal protection and means the travel company is responsible for making sure passengers get the holiday they paid for.
If something isn’t provided or as expected, the company or its suppliers are responsible for resolving the issue by offering an alternative or providing a full or partial refund. In some cases, passengers may be able to claim compensation.
ATOL protection
The UK Air Travel Organisers’ Licence (ATOL) scheme provides protection for travellers who book a holiday, which includes a flight.
If an ATOL licenced travel company collapses, it ensures that your money is protected and you can get home.
The majority of bookings made directly with airlines will not be covered by ATOL. Package sales made in the UK by travel businesses established in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will also not be covered. These bookings must be protected by the system in the company’s home country.