UK travellers ‘don’t get correct Atol advice’

Holidaymakers struggle to obtain accurate information from travel firms about financial protection, an investigation has found.

Staff at travel companies have a “lack of knowledge” about what is covered by the Atol scheme, research by Which? Travel magazine revealed.

Posing as potential customers, the publication made 80 calls to eight travel firms.

British Airways and lastminute.com exaggerated Atol protection, with the former incorrectly telling researchers “on several occasions” that they would be covered despite only purchasing a flight.

Thomas Cook employees got only 45 per cent of the answerscorrect,according to the report.

The Atol scheme ensures travellers do not get stranded abroad or lose money if a company stops trading.