What All Those Letters Mean — ATOL, PTS, SAFI & More
We all know the basics: every flight-inclusive holiday comes with ATOL — Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. Run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), it’s legally required for every package holiday booking — flights + hotel, flights + car hire, and so on. You’ll see it everywhere: “ATOL Protected”, with the licence number clearly shown.
But what about Third-Party ATOL, PTS, SFI, SAFI and PTRC? What’s the difference between a Principal ATOL Holder and Third-Party ATOL? And why does Halls Travel offer more than just ATOL on some bookings? Let me explain simply.
Principal ATOL Holder vs Third-Party ATOL Holder
Most people don’t realise there are two types of ATOL. Here at Halls Travel, we have the best of both worlds— because The JLT Group holds its own ATOL licence with the CAA (ATOL number 12564).
The difference is really just about where we stand legally — whether we’ve built your package ourselves, or we’re booking through an established tour operator. To you, it makes no difference at all: you get the same great service, the same protection, either way. The only real difference is whose name appears on the ATOL certificate — that’s it!
Third-Party ATOL
This is very common among independent travel agents. It means we use a big tour operator’s ATOL — such as TUI — rather than building every part of your holiday ourselves. The great news? We can do both! That means I can compare prices, options and experiences — and make sure you get the very best deal.
PTS — Protective Trust Services
PTS is the backbone of how we operate. It’s a ring-fenced trust account system — your money is kept safe, and can only be used to:
✅ Refund you if needed
✅ Pay your travel suppliers
✅ Nothing else. PTS protects UK trips too — not just holidays abroad. Another great reason to book with Halls Travel.
⚠️ Important note: The insurances PTS provides are NOT replacement for your own travel insurance. Please arrange your own travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit — always better to be safe!
A Quick Note Before We Go On…
The covers below only apply when we’ve built your package ourselves. If we’re booking through a tour operator directly, their ATOL applies instead. Just ask — I’ll happily tell you exactly what protection applies to your booking!
SFI — Supplier Failure Insurance
Applies when we’ve put your package together for you. If a ground-based supplier — such as your hotel or car hire company — fails, SFI steps in. It will refund you or rebook you with a similar provider. Very similar to ATOL — but it’s extra cover, not a legal requirement.
SAFI — Supplier Airline Failure Insurance
If an airline you’ve booked goes bust, SAFI gets your money back FAST. You don’t have to wait months for ATOL to process your claim. It covers your flight costs from the moment you pay.
PTRC — Package Travel Regulations Compliance
Simply put: it guarantees your booking meets every UK consumer protection law. It works alongside SAFI and ATOL, and is built into your booking cost — just another layer of legal protection for you.
Why Do We Offer MORE Than Just ATOL?
ATOL is the legal minimum — we go further. PTS automatically adds the right cover — SAFI, SFI, PTRC, or a combination — to your booking. Why? So that you are fully protected financially and legally, should the worst happen.
We don’t just look after your booking — we look after YOU. So you can book with total confidence.
Now you understand the protections and want to book
No matter whether I package the holiday myself or use a trusted third‑party supplier, you receive the same protections, the same financial security, and the same customer service every single time.
So why not take a look at our Home Screen or the Holiday Hub for some inspiration?
And when you’re ready to turn that inspiration into a real booking, you can call me on 0161 338 7257 or come to The Globe Café from 28 August for a face‑to‑face chat.
I do recommend booking an appointment, just so I can give you the time and attention your holiday deserves. you can book your appointment by clicking the button below.
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