As millions prepare to leave for even more sun on their summer holidays this week, the CAA forecasts that this year’s busiest single day for flights departing UK airports will be July 27th.
Some 8,841 flights are expected to leave the UK new Friday.
CAA research has also revealed that millions of UK holiday-makers will leave booking their annual break until just days before they plan to jet off, with one in ten people questioned in a survey admitting bagging a last-minute package holiday.
While many of these travellers will have secured their summer holidays months in advance and be well prepared for any hiccups, the last-minute bargain hunters may well be in danger of overlooking their financial protection in their haste to secure their holidays.
Paul Smith, director at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The idea of grabbing a last-minute deal is of course very appealing, but it is worth spending some time to check your holiday bargain is ATOL protected.
“Having an ATOL certificate means that you are covered financially if your travel company goes bust – you will be able to get home at no extra cost and will not lose your hard-earned cash.
“Whenever you book your holiday, look for the ATOL logo to ensure you can fully enjoy your break.”
Over the last three years 38 ATOL protected travel companies ceased trading – but their customers continued their holidays or received full refunds if they were still to travel.
Holidaymakers without ATOL protection are at risk of losing out if a company providing a part of their holiday goes bust.