If you buy your tickets with a credit card, and your transaction is more than £100, your money is protected under the terms of the Consumer Credit Act.

Your money may be protected even if the cost of your air travel was less than £100 and you paid by credit card, but you should claim within a reasonable time.

Many credit card companies will also refund money if the airline you booked with goes bankrupt, including the cost of unused return tickets.

Debit cards

This protection does not apply to debit cards such as Switch or Delta. Consider this if you are planning to avoid the credit fee charged by some airlines.

Consumer help

Consumer Direct - a government funded service that provides clear, practical, consumer advice, with a useful page containing details on how to spot scams.

Air Transport Users' Council – specific info on financial protection for air travellers.