Extension to ATOL refund credit notes

The Government and the Air Travel Trust (ATT) have confirmed that refund credit notes (RCNs) will now benefit from ATOL protection until 30 September 2022, a 12-month extension to the scheme.

The validity period for issuing RCNs has also been extended and will now continue until further notice. The ATT will provide at least one month’s notice in advance of ending the scheme. These extensions mean that consumers whose package holiday bookings are cancelled will be able to safely accept a refund credit note where it is suitable for them.

Consumers are entitled to a cash refund for a cancelled package holiday should they not wish to accept a refund credit note.

The same conditions as previously advised to travel companies will apply to refund credit notes:

• They must be issued for a cancelled ATOL protected booking
• The booking must have been cancelled by the tour operator due to the coronavirus pandemic
• The refund credit note must be able to be exchanged for cash at a later date

Travel businesses are reminded that they must notify the Air Travel Trust of any refund credit notes issued by completing the appropriate forms.