Holidaymakers who book flights and accommodation from different providers but through a single travel intermediary will now receive the same legal and financial protection as those buying traditional package holidays, under new EU regulations that came into force this year.
The Package Travel Regulations 2018, prompted by the rise in online bookings, widen the definition of a package holiday. Previously, mix-and-match holidays were only financially protected if an airline went bust, but travellers had to pursue legal action themselves for issues like poor hotel conditions. Now, the travel company is responsible for ensuring the holiday is delivered as promised.
Simon Calder, travel correspondent at The Independent, told the BBC: 'Proper package holidays are the gold standard of travel. By booking flights and accommodation in a single transaction from a tour operator, you transfer all the risk to the company.' He noted that some firms like On The Beach and Travel Republic have already updated their terms.
The government estimates the new rules will protect an extra 10 million package travel holidays a year. The regulations also apply to bookings made in High Street travel agents where separate elements are paid for together. However, 'linked travel arrangements'—where a flight is bought on an airline's site and a hotel is booked separately within 24 hours—are not classed as packages and offer lower protection.
Travel litigation specialist Joanne Brine of JMW Solicitors said: 'Should anything happen while you're on holiday—such as an accident or injury on hotel property—subsequent claims will be more straightforward to deal with.' Which? travel editor Rory Boland added: 'Package holiday regulations have finally been dragged out of the dark ages.'
