Two different protections, often held by the same business
An ATOL is a statutory licence from the CAA. ABTA membership comes through a trade association. Knowing which applies to which booking matters for protection, reporting and renewal.
What each one does.
ATOL and ABTA are often mentioned together, but they are separate. An ATOL is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. ABTA is a trade association whose members agree to its codes and protection arrangements.
ATOL covers flight-inclusive packages
The ATOL scheme protects customers who buy flight-inclusive packages from a licence holder if the business fails. The licence is regulated by the CAA.
ABTA membership is a trade body
ABTA sets codes of conduct for its members and runs its own protection arrangements. Membership is separate from the CAA licence.
Many businesses hold both
A travel business can hold an ATOL and be an ABTA member at the same time. The protection that applies depends on how each booking was sold.
Why it matters for reporting.
Where a business holds both, the evidence has to show which protection a booking sits under. Reporting that does not separate them makes renewal and audit harder than it needs to be.
Tag each booking to its protection
Keep the protection each booking falls under visible alongside the payments, so the right evidence can be produced for the right reviewer.
Confirm the position with your advisers
Which protection applies, and what it requires, is a question for the CAA, your trustee or ABTA, depending on how you sell. Check it with them rather than relying on a general summary.
See how this works around your bookings.
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