The collapse of XL Leisure Group has left 67,000 holidaymakers stranded and means that 200,000 advance holiday bookings will have to be cancelled.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is now implementing its ATOL financial protection scheme, and arranging for people currently abroad with XL Leisure Group tour operators to complete their holidays and fly home.

Q: Am I protected if I am already abroad?

A: It depends on who you booked with. If you bought your holidays and flights from an XL Leisure Group tour operator you should be able to stay in your hotel or villa and complete your holiday. The CAA will make arrangements for your flight home.

Check with your holiday rep for information about any changes to your flight arrangements, or check on the CAA website.

If you only booked your flight with XL Leisure Group, the CAA will make sure that you can still get a flight home. Make your way to the airport at the appropriate time. There may be further information on changes to the flight times and airline at the airport.

If you booked directly with XL Airways you are not protected by ATOL. The CAA will be operating repatriation flights for tour operator customers and it may be possible to purchase seats on these flights if spare capacity is available – although you will have to pay a fee. Alternatively, you can make your own arrangements.

Q: Can I claim a refund if my holiday hasn't begun?

A: All XL Airways flights from the UK are now cancelled and customers should not go to the airport.

Most customers of XL Leisure Group tour operators with advanced bookings who have not yet travelled will be able to claim a refund under the ATOL scheme.

If you booked an air inclusive package or charter flight with one of the tour operators below you will be protected by ATOL.

The Really Great Holiday Company (trading as: Cruise City, Excel Holidays, The Florida Skytrain, Transatlantic Vacations, Travel City Direct and Travel City International.) Kosmar Villa Holidays (trading as Kosmar Holidays) Freedom Flights Limited and Aspire Holidays Limited

Q: Is anyone not covered?

A: Customers of XL Airways (operating under flight numbers starting XLA) who booked direct with the airline are not ATOL protected and will not be able to get their money back from CAA.

Q: I booked accommodation through Medlife Hotels, which is owned by XL. What are my rights?

A: Medlife Hotels is not covered by the ATOL financial protection scheme.

Q: What can I do if I'm not protected by the ATOL scheme?

A: Those who paid by credit card will be protected by section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act for payments of £100 to £30,000. Those who paid by Visa debit card should also get redress via the Visa chargeback scheme and should contact their card issuer. People who paid by debit card should contact their bank.

It is also important to scour the small print of your travel insurance policy to see if airline insolvency is covered.

* The CAA set up helplines for passengers already abroad and those who have booked and want their money back. Customers stranded abroad should call 44 2891 856 547. Customers worried about future bookings should call 0870 5900927.