If you book direct with an airline, including budget airlines, you WON'T be ATOL protected. You may be covered if you pay by credit card and spend over £100 - check with your credit card company.

Some airlines have websites that also provide links to other websites that offer hotel and car hire. Remember, because you're not booking with a single travel company, you WON'T be ATOL protected.

If you book a scheduled flight with a travel agent and receive either an 'electronic' or paper ticket straight awayor within 24 hours, you WON'T be ATOL protected. Consider taking out insurance that will cover you against airline failure.