Schools have been urged to book ATOL-protected trips to avoid parents being left out of pocket if their travel company fails.
The Civil Aviation Authority are encouraging teachers and parents to check that any upcoming school trips involving air travel are fully covered under the ATOL scheme.
This new advice has stemmed from a situation arising earlier this year that involved parents being left with bills of £750 per child after their school’s chosen tour provider collapsed and did not have ATOL-protection.
Andy Cohen, Head of ATOL, said: “We have seen cases in the past where parents have been left to bear the brunt after a tour company has collapsed – and we’re investigated a number of other live situations.
“Whoever is responsible for booking a school trip, that involves a flight, should do a simple check that travel companies being used are fully ATOL protected.”
The authority has set up a dedicated ATOL webpage for the educated sector, giving specific advice to anyone responsible for booking a school trip.
