ATOL Protection
What is ATOL?
ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) is a UK financial protection scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It protects most air package holidays sold by travel businesses that are based in the UK. The scheme is designed to ensure that if your travel company fails, you don't lose your money and you aren't stranded abroad.
The ATOL Certificate
When you book a flight-inclusive holiday eligible for ATOL protection through us, an ATOL Certificate will be issued in the name of Brightsun Travel (UK) Limited (ATOL 3853) - our principal. Stand-alone flight tickets, accommodation-only bookings, and car hire only are NOT ATOL protected and you will NOT receive a certificate. We will tell you in writing before payment whether your specific booking is ATOL protected.
🤝 ATOL Protection Information
TravelMaxx Ltd does not hold its own ATOL licence. We act as an agent for Brightsun Travel (UK) Limited, which holds ATOL 3853.
When you book a flight-inclusive holiday covered by Brightsun's ATOL, you will receive an ATOL Certificate issued in the name of Brightsun Travel (UK) Limited. This certificate is your proof of financial protection.
Important – ATOL Coverage Scope:
- ATOL protection applies only to flight-inclusive holidays where Brightsun is the principal
- Stand-alone flights, accommodation-only bookings, and car hire only are not ATOL protected
- We will confirm in writing whether your booking is ATOL protected before you pay
For full details, visit www.caa.co.uk/ATOL-protection
Official ATOL Statement
We are an agent for Brightsun Travel (UK) Limited which holds ATOL number 3853. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays we sell are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking.
If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected.
Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk
What Does ATOL Protect?
Understanding exactly what is and isn't covered by the ATOL scheme
Package Holidays
Flights + accommodation booked together as a single package
Flight-Only Bookings
When booked as part of an ATOL-protected package arrangement
Flight-Plus Arrangements
Flights with separate components (hotel, car, transfers) booked within 24 hours
Accommodation Only
Hotel-only, villa-only, or apartment-only bookings without flights
Car Hire Only
Vehicle rental bookings made independently without flight arrangements
Direct Flight Tickets
Individual flights booked directly with airlines or as standalone tickets
How to Use Your ATOL Certificate
Follow these 3 simple steps to ensure your protection is active and valid
Check It Immediately
Verify all parts of your trip are listed correctly on the certificate. Your name, booking reference, travel dates, and all services (flights, hotels, transfers) must match your booking confirmation.
Keep It Safe
Store your ATOL Certificate in multiple places. Keep a printed copy in your hand luggage, save a digital copy on your phone, and email it to yourself as a backup.
Verify Details
The certificate shows the ATOL holder name (Brightsun Travel UK Limited) and license number (3853). If anything is incorrect, contact us immediately before travel.
Why ATOL Protection Matters
Peace of mind for your travel investment with comprehensive coverage
Money Back Guarantee
Get a full refund of all money paid (excluding deposit) if your travel company fails before departure. No hidden fees, no complicated claims process.
Repatriation Protection
If you're stranded abroad when your travel company fails, the CAA will arrange and cover the cost of your return flight home.
CAA Assistance
The Civil Aviation Authority handles everything - from rebooking flights to arranging alternative accommodation if needed.
Government-Regulated
ATOL is a Civil Aviation Authority scheme required for businesses that organise flight-inclusive holidays in the UK. Brightsun (our principal) holds ATOL 3853.
Continuous Protection
Coverage applies throughout your protected trip - from booking through return - for ATOL-covered components.
Worldwide Cover
Protection for international holidays to any destination. Wherever you're travelling, ATOL has you covered.