As Black Friday launches today, November 28, British holidaymakers are being cautioned against potential travel scams amidst the flood of discounted deals. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued an urgent warning as new data reveals staggering losses to holiday fraud.
Millions Lost to Travel Scams
The scale of the problem is substantial. According to figures from the City of London Police, a shocking £11 million was lost to holiday fraud in 2024 alone. Londoners suffered the heaviest financial blows, losing nearly £2.5 million between them.
Other regions experienced significant losses too. The West Midlands recorded £546,000 in fraud losses, while Greater Manchester holidaymakers lost £508,000. Hampshire residents were hit for £482,000, highlighting that this is a nationwide issue affecting travellers across the UK.
How to Protect Your Holiday Booking
The CAA has provided clear guidance for consumers looking to secure genuine bargains during the Black Friday sales period and the upcoming Travel Tuesday. Their primary recommendation is to verify ATOL protection before making any payment.
Companies selling air package holidays in Britain are required by law to hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL). This crucial protection ensures that if the company ceases trading before your departure, you won't lose your money or be stranded abroad.
Selina Chadha, Group Director of Consumers & Markets at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, emphasised: 'Holiday fraud is a growing concern, especially around major sales events like Travel Tuesday. With over £11 million lost in 2024 alone, it's important that consumers are equipped with the knowledge they need to protect themselves.'
Additional Safeguards for Smart Shopping
Beyond checking for ATOL protection, the authority recommends two additional security measures. Using a credit card when booking provides protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which can help you claim back payments if something goes wrong.
Taking out comprehensive travel insurance is another essential layer of protection, covering potential cancellations or emergencies that might occur before or during your trip.
Ms Chadha added: 'Before booking, check that your travel provider is an ATOL holder and that your holiday is ATOL protected. You should receive an ATOL Certificate that confirms what's covered. Using a credit card and taking out travel insurance can also provide extra peace of mind if things don't go to plan.'
As the Black Friday travel deals continue through Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, vigilance remains the key to securing genuine bargains while avoiding sophisticated scams.
