Separate Flight and Hotel Bookings Could Soon Count as a Package Under New UK Travel Rules

Ananya Dey

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Separate flight and hotel bookings could soon count as a package under new UK travel rules, giving travellers stronger protection when both services are bought during one visit or contact. The reason is simple: separate flight and hotel bookings could soon count as a package under new UK travel rules if a customer chooses two travel services from different providers through the same point of sale. Therefore, travel agents may take on package duties, including financial protection and responsibility for services. From 6 April 2027, the reform will change how some linked bookings are treated and protected across the UK.

Linked Travel Arrangements Will Disappear

The reform removes the existing linked travel arrangement, or LTA, framework.

Under the new rules, transactions currently treated as Type A LTAs will instead fall within the package definition. This can happen when a traveller selects two or more travel services from different providers during a single visit to, or contact with, one point of sale, even when the services are selected and paid for separately.

For example, a traveller could book a flight and then separately add accommodation or car hire during the same interaction. Where the statutory conditions are met, the business facilitating those services will have to comply with package travel requirements.

Travel Agents Face New Package Responsibilities

The change is particularly important for travel agencies that currently facilitate Type A LTAs. Transactions brought into the package regime will be subject to requirements that can include appropriate insolvency protection, prescribed information for travellers and responsibility for the performance of package services.

Type B LTAs will disappear completely. These currently arise when a traveller buys one service and is directed to another trader, where a second travel service is purchased within 24 hours. The Government decided to remove this category after concluding that it offered limited consumer protection.

Travel Suppliers Face a 14-Day Refund Requirement

The amendments also strengthen the position of package organisers when a third-party supplier fails to provide or cancels a service forming part of a package.

Under new Regulation 29A, qualifying payments made by an organiser or relevant retailer to that supplier must generally be refunded within 14 days. The regulations also establish a clearer right of redress where an organiser or retailer has paid compensation, provided a price reduction or met another obligation because of a third party’s actions.

What Changes for UK Travel from April 2027

The reform means some separately booked travel services may receive the legal treatment of a package when they are purchased through the same point of sale during one visit or contact. Travel businesses will therefore need to review their booking processes, customer information, financial protection and supplier arrangements before the new regime takes effect.

The Government has confirmed that updated guidance will be published ahead of implementation. Existing package contracts and LTAs entered into before 6 April 2027 will remain subject to the previous framework.

Separate flight and hotel bookings could soon count as a package under new UK travel rules because the reform changes how certain linked purchases are classified. From 6 April 2027, travellers who choose two services from different providers during one visit or contact with the same point of sale may receive package treatment. This matters because package status brings consumer protection and places wider duties on travel businesses. It also means some agents must review financial protection, booking information and liability. In short, the change closes gaps around linked travel arrangements and gives qualifying combined bookings a stronger legal framework.