Airline or package holiday company gone bust?

Check ATOL first for package holidays

If you booked a package that included a flight and received an ATOL certificate, the Civil Aviation Authority's ATOL scheme is usually the first route for refunds or repatriation. Card claims may still help with anything ATOL doesn't cover.

Flight-only bookings

Flight-only bookings direct with an airline are usually not ATOL-protected. If you paid by credit card and the ticket (or a single ticket on the booking) cost over £100, a Section 75 claim against your card provider may be possible. If the ticket was cheaper, or you paid by debit card, ask your bank about a chargeback for services not provided.

Booked through an agent or comparison site?

If a third party took your payment, the direct link Section 75 needs may be broken. Card issuers judge this case by case; the Financial Ombudsman Service has accepted some claims and rejected others. Chargeback can still be possible.

Timing matters

For chargeback, the 120-day window is often counted from the date the flight or holiday should have been provided, not the booking date. Check the deadline calculator on the homepage and contact your bank promptly.

• Also check travel insurance for "scheduled airline failure" cover.
• Keep the administrator's notice and your booking confirmation.