Does it matter if a travel agent isn't a member of ABTA?

[EldonAve]

I'm booking flights with them
Finding the ABTA ATOL stuff all v confusing

Is the airline bonded ?

Don't know the carrier yet as haven't got the proposed flights - I'm trying to do a multi city trip in the US

If they aren't ABTA then you wont be covered if the airline fails or you need to claim for any reason.

i personally wouldn't book with them.

but what about my travel insurance? won't that cover me?

probably not. most insurers have a clause to say you must book with an ABTA/ATOL registered agent.

Be very careful. I know someone who booked flights through an advert in the paper and lost all his money. ABTA gives you some protection.

I thought ABTA was inc ase the Agent didn't pay the airline/accommodation and went under and ATOL if the airline itself failed ?

I have just looked at the insurance policy and it only mentions ABTA /ATOL in the 10 top tips provided by the UK Gov

ABTA is for the agent
ATOL is for the airline I think

bump for the evening crowd

ABTA is Association of British travel Agents if you are booking a mulit city in the US are you using a US agency ??
Does it say IATA ?

Rosa - I am in the UK but attempting a 4 city trip to the US

Sorry should have phrased that better is the website you are using an American one ?
If you are using a high street T agent they will be bonded in some way ..they cannot operate otherwise.

Who's the agent?

They have an office locally

Can you not name them Eldon ? If it is a shop one then they should have ABTA / IATA / ATOL or similar ..If they do not have then I personally wouldn't touch them... If it is a high street one then you will find another who will match the price you have been given easily.

It's not a chain
I'd rather not name them as I think one of them may be a MNer!

Agree with Rosa here.

Ask who the ATOL holder is.

You should have at least the flight ticket agents ATOL number (incase the airline goes bust) or the whole holiday package, Tour Operators ATOL number (incase the travel company goes bust). If not, don't book it.

ATOL ATOL ATOL for any holiday arrangmet that includes flights.

As soon as you make a payment for a flight or flight-inclusive holiday to a travel agent, you are entitled to receive an ATOL receipt containing the name and ATOL number of the ATOL holder your booking is with. This will ensure that your payment is not at risk if the agent ceases to trade. If you do not receive an ATOL receipt, ask why. If you still do not get one, you can contact the CAA for advice.