The ABTA arbitration scheme offers a low cost dispute resolution exclusively to customers of ABTA Members. The scheme can be considerably cheaper than alternatives with Arbitration fees up to four and half times lower than small claims court fees representing savings of up to £346 per claim. The only option open to customers of non-ABTA members is the small claims court. In addition arbitration decisions are made solely on the basis of documentation removing the need to attend court in person.

The scheme is operated for ABTA by IDRS Ltd part of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to ensure professional unbiased decision making and the majority of cases are resolved within eight weeks of being submitted to the Institute. Arbitration forms are available online at www.abta.com

Mark Tanzer ABTA Chief Executive said “The majority of our customers have trouble free and enjoyable holidays but when things do go wrong the ABTA Arbitration scheme offers a swift and good value way to resolve disputes”