In short (UK): Package holidays cancelled by the organiser usually mean a full cash refund (often within 14 days) or an alternative trip — under the Package Travel rules. Flight-only bookings use passenger rights instead. Vouchers are optional. Write to the right party, keep the booking file, use ATOL/card routes if needed. This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Cancelled holidays are expensive and stressful. This guide covers which regime applies — not a full recovery pack. For a personalised plan and letters, use Refundly.
Package Holidays — Stronger Protection
A package combines transport, accommodation, or other tourist services sold as one trip. If the organiser cancels, you are usually entitled to:
- Full refund within a short legal window, or
- An alternative holiday (your choice in many cases)
- Compensation in some situations (unless extraordinary circumstances)
You normally claim from the organiser, not each hotel and airline separately.
Flight-Only Bookings
Separate flights use EU261/UK passenger rules — refund or re-routing, care if stranded, possible fixed compensation. See flight cancelled and flight delay.
Refund vs Voucher
| Offer | High-level view |
|---|---|
| Cash refund to original payment | Usually what the law points to for organiser cancellations |
| Rebooking that suits you | Fine if you choose it |
| Expiring voucher | Optional — not your duty when cash is due |
| Partial refund | Challenge if full refund is owed |
What to Do Next (High Level)
- Identify who you contracted with (package organiser vs airline vs hotel).
- Gather booking, cancellation notice, payments.
- Request cash refund in writing with reference and amount.
- Diary the refund deadline (packages often 14 days).
- Escalate: ATOL/ABTA-style routes, chargeback, Section 75, court.
Refundly keeps refund and escalation deadlines in one plan
Card and ATOL Backups
Higher-value packages often suit Section 75 (credit) or chargeback (debit). ATOL can help if the company fails — check your certificate and CAA guidance.
A formal claim letter sets clear expectations without you inventing the structure
Using Refundly for Cancelled Holidays
- Select holidays & travel → cancelled trip/flight
- Package vs flight-only rights in plain English
- Personalised plan
- Letters + tracking
Final Tip
Reply in writing the same day requesting cash if that is what you want. Voucher pressure is common when cash is due.
General information for UK consumers only — not legal advice. Check Package Travel rules, CAA/ATOL, and your booking terms.
Common questions
Short answers to common questions on this topic.
- If my package holiday is cancelled, do I get a full refund?
- Usually yes — the organiser should refund you within 14 days in many cases, or offer an alternative package. Vouchers are optional, not a legal substitute if you want cash.
- What if I only booked flights, not a package?
- Flight-only cancellations follow passenger rights (refund/re-routing and possible compensation). Package rules are separate and often stronger for combined trips.
- Does ATOL protect me?
- ATOL can protect many flight-inclusive packages if the company fails. Check your certificate and CAA/ATOL routes if the organiser is unresponsive or insolvent.
- Can Section 75 help with a cancelled holiday?
- Often yes for qualifying credit-card payments between £100 and £30,000 with a direct link to the supplier. Debit cards may use chargeback instead.
- Who do I complain to — airline, hotel, or organiser?
- For a package, start with the package organiser. For separate bookings, each supplier for their part. Identify the contract on your confirmation first.