ATOL, which stands 'Air Travel Organisers License', is a national scheme run by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) that gives financial protection to people travelling outside the UK by air.
Groupia's ATOL membership number is 11011.
In incidences of unexpected complications or difficulties ATOL protection can ensure you and your groups are repatriated without facing heavy addition costs.
All companies registered with ATOL have been checked out by the CAA and adhere to strict guidelines.
In 2010 the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted without warning, the ensuing clouds caused by the eruption caused travel chaos throughout the world. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, in many cases people travelling without ATOL protection were left with the stark reality of having to buy additional flights to return home.
Those that were ATOL protected were given return flights at no extra cost.
Yes and no. Yes, you should be concerned enough to realise that ATOL protection can be vital on those very rare occasions that things might go wrong.
We advise all our groups to always fly with an ATOL protected company. Once you have ATOL protection then no, there is no need to worry as should problems arise everything will be taken care of for you.
Nothing. With Groupia School Tours all our packages are covered by ATOL at no extra charge.
It's good to know that should anything go wrong (and we'd reiterate that these incidents are incredibly rare) then travelling with the right provider will give you peace of mind.
Even if you decide not to book with Groupia on this occasion we'd strongly recommend you always book with an ATOL protected company. It's not just your peace of mind but reassuring for the families of your pupils.
If you do book flight tickets direct with the airline means you might not be ATOL protected. Always check with the airline or travel operator.
ABTA is the UK's largest organisation that regulates travel agents and tour operators. ABTA members adhere to strict guidelines ensuring best practice and financial security. Not all travel companies are ABTA bonded.
Groupia's ABTA membership number is W7797.
ABTA bonding safeguards your money and allows ABTA to support client claims in the event of unexpected issues that might otherwise leave you facing extra costs or charged for products or service you don't receive in instances such as company failure.
The sad fact is that some travel companies are not regulated in anyway, this is more common overseas where tour groups can be left stranded or facing heavy extra fees. These instances are rare however you can be sure any ABTA bonded travel company will always have the correct procedures in place to avoid any complications or sudden hidden/unexpected fees/costs for your travel plans.
Yes and no. Yes, we would advise any travellers to be concerned enough to always book with ABTA regulated travel companies. Then no, once you have ABTA on your side then it's something you won't have to worry about.
Nothing. All Groupia travel is covered by ABTA, this is part of our commitment in providing exceptional customer service but comes at no additional cost. Busy professionals have enough to worry about, especially when overseeing so many young and often easily distracted heads, being covered by ABTA means you have one less thing to watch out for.
Simply send us your school trip requirements to get started...
Contact UsFor information on staying safe and healthy while travelling abroad as well as local laws and latest government advice on destinations visit the FCO Travel Aware website.