Package holidays vs flight only: which is better?
There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Package holidays can make booking and managing your trip simpler, while booking flight only gives you more freedom to choose your accommodation and plan your itinerary.
The right option depends on the holiday you’re planning, how much flexibility you want and the level of financial protection included.
Let’s delve into it a little deeper…
Firstly, what is a package holiday?
A package holiday combines at least two parts of a trip into one booking. While this is usually flights and accommodation, it could also include:
- Flights and car hire
- Flights, hotel and transfers
- Accommodation and other travel services or activities
Package holidays are typically sold through one travel company as a single booking.
What does flight only mean?
A flight-only booking is exactly what it sounds like – you’re just booking a flight! All accommodation and other parts of your holiday are booked separately and aren’t included in the price.
What are the benefits of booking a package holiday?
One of the main benefits of a package holiday is convenience. Your flights, accommodation and any other included services are managed through one booking, giving you one main travel company to contact if your plans change.
Additionally, package holidays also come with a level of protection. If you book a flight-inclusive package with a UK travel company that holds an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence), your booking will be financially protected by the ATOL scheme.
This means that if your travel company stops trading, you’re entitled to a refund if you haven’t travelled yet or provided with support to continue your trip and return home if you’re already away.
As soon as you make a payment towards an ATOL protected holiday booking, you should receive an ATOL certificate. This will explain what’s protected, who’s covered and which travel company is providing the protection.
Why make a flight-only booking?
Booking flight only can give you more control over your trip. It means you can choose your airline, flight times and airport separately and then find accommodation that best suits your plans and budget.
It’s particularly useful if you’re planning on travelling to multiple destinations or you’d like a wider choice of hotels or other accommodation.
It can sometimes be cheaper, particularly if your dates are flexible, but remember to include luggage, transfers and other additional charges when comparing prices.
The trade-off is that each part of your holiday is a separate booking, with its own cancellation and amendment terms. For example, if your flight changes, your accommodation provider may charge you to move your dates.
Which option offers more financial protection?
A package holiday bought from a UK travel company with a valid ATOL will offer more financial protection than a flight-only booking. If your ATOL protected holiday company stops trading, ATOL will protect the money you have paid towards the part of your trip which is covered.
Flight-only bookings are not automatically ATOL protected. Some flight-only bookings made through an ATOL holder may be protected, but many are not. Your travel company should make this clear before you book and you should receive an ATOL Certificate if your flight is covered.
It’s also important to remember that ATOL is not travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect you against other problems, such as illness, medical costs, lost belongings or cancelling a trip for a covered reason.
What should you check before you book?
Before paying for a holiday, check exactly what’s included, who you’re booking with and what’ll happen if something goes wrong.
If you’re booking a package that includes a flight, check that the travel company holds a valid ATOL. You should also make sure the ATOL number it is advertising matches the official record.
Once you’ve paid, you should receive an ATOL Certificate for an ATOL-protected trip. Read it carefully and make sure the details match your booking.
You should also:
- Check the cancellation and amendment terms
- Understand which parts of the trip are financially protected
- Look for any additional charges
- Consider taking out suitable travel insurance
- Keep your booking documents and ATOL Certificate somewhere safe
So, which option is right for you?
A package holiday will be the better choice if you:
- Want a simple booking through one main travel company
- Would like flights, accommodation and other services arranged together
- Value the financial protection of an ATOL-protected package
- Are planning a straightforward break in one destination
On the other hand, a flight-only booking will suit you if you:
- Want complete control over your itinerary
- Are visiting several destinations
- Already have somewhere to stay (for example, with a friend or family member)
- Are comfortable managing several separate bookings
The best option depends on the trip you’re planning. Compare the total cost, flexibility and financial protection before booking and, above all else, make sure you understand exactly what is included.
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