The Importance Of Applying Ahead for ATOL Renewals

We've reached the middle of February and it's time to start thinking about the ATOL renewal period for those that haven't already. With September and March coming in as the big ATOL renewal dates, it's potentially a big time for the UK travel businesses selling flights. Whether you are simply renewing your existing license, considering changing license type, getting a license for the first time, or removing the sale of flights from your packages, there are a few important things to consider with March renewals close ahead.

The month of March is one of the busiest times of year for ATOL renewals, this is very important to keep in mind. Whether you're getting your first ATOL, switching the type of license you have, or just renewing, there will be many other businesses doing the same in time for March and the processing of your application will take some time. For this reason, if you have not already applied for your ATOL renewal ready for the end of March, we highly implore you to do so as soon as possible.

Renewing your ATOL does not need to be a stressful or complicated process, for the wide majority, simply not applying far enough ahead of time is the biggest issue and one that can be easily avoided. Having an ATOL is a legal obligation for all UK-based travel businesses that are selling over a certain capacity of flights. This means that if you do not apply for your ATOL renewal in time, you will not be allowed to sell flights for any period that you do not have an ATOL.

If you are applying for your ATOL for the first time and you have determined that this is the time to do it, it is also advised to plan ahead and apply earlier than you may originally have planned to ensure your application can be processed without stress. If you are moving from one ATOL to another, say you had a Small Business ATOL and you now need a Standard ATOL, the same advice applies to ensure a smooth transition for the business.

Acquiring your ATOL should be an efficient and stress-free experience, regardless of if you are renewing, changing, or obtaining it. At Protected Trust Services (PTS), one of our main goals for travel business members that need an ATOL is to help them apply with as little fuss and as swift a process as possible. With a secure and approved form of financial protection provided for all members through the PTS travel trust account solution, half the battle is already won, but our in-house ATOL experts provide excellent service to support all members in any way possible.

As an ATOL Franchisee, PTS has made applying for an ATOL even easier for our members, who can apply directly through PTS with complete peace of mind. For those members who do need to apply through the CAA for a Standard ATOL, the PTS team are there to guide them through the application process where needed and continue to ensure the process is easy.

Above all else, the best thing that a travel business can do to ensure the ATOL renewal period is stress-free and simple, is to apply as soon as possible for your ATOL so you don't have to worry about being too late for the end of March deadline.

So, if you’d like to discuss consumer protection for travel companies further, please get in contact with one of Protected Trust Services’ (PTS) lovely staff members by calling?0207 190 9988?or emailing us at?[email protected]. Or, you can visit our?member support?and?travel trust account?pages to learn more about how we protect you.