No, STA Travel stopped taking new bookings in August 2020 and permanently shut down in 2021.
Can anyone use STA Travel?
No, STA Travel stopped taking new bookings in August 2020 and permanently shut down in 2021.
That said, the company used to focus on travelers under 27. After its collapse, all services ended permanently. If you're hunting for youth travel deals today, check out alternatives like StudentUniverse (now owned by Flight Centre) or Student Flights. These still offer discounts for travelers under 30 as of 2026. See what’s available on StudentUniverse or Student Flights Australia.
Who could use STA Travel when it was still operating?
Travelers under 27 were the primary audience, but some older travelers accessed discounts through promotions.
STA Travel built its reputation serving students, backpackers, and young adventurers with cheap flights, rail passes, and adventure tours. While the main crowd was under 27, the company sometimes ran promotions for older travelers—especially those tied to schools or alumni groups. University student IDs sometimes unlocked extra savings, no matter the age. These policies made STA a top pick for gap-year travelers and budget explorers from 2010 until mid-2020.
Are there any age restrictions for STA Travel bookings?
Yes, most deals were restricted to travelers under 27, though exceptions existed.
Most STA Travel discounts were locked behind an under-27 rule. That said, the company occasionally ran open promotions—like group discounts or loyalty deals. If you were over 27 and wanted to book, calling a branch directly sometimes worked, especially for student-affiliated programs. As of 2026, STA no longer offers these age-based deals, but similar youth travel clubs like Contiki (ages 18–35) or Intrepid Travel still run with comparable age rules.
Can I still book trips with STA Travel?
No, STA Travel permanently ceased all operations in 2021 and no bookings are possible.
After filing for administration in August 2020, STA Travel closed every branch and online platform by early 2021. As of 2026, the company no longer exists as a booking service. If you're after youth-focused travel plans, try alternatives like Gapwork, Student Flights, or Nomadic Matt’s travel resources for budget adventure planning.
What happens if I already booked a trip with STA Travel?
You are likely covered by financial protection schemes like ATOL (UK) or ABTA (land-based tours).
If you booked a flight-inclusive package with STA Travel before August 2020, your trip is protected under the UK’s ATOL scheme, run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Land-based tours or cruises may fall under ABTA protection. The CAA reports over £42 million refunded globally by 2024, with most claims wrapped up by 2025. If you haven’t gotten your refund yet, file a claim ASAP through the CAA ATOL portal or reach out to ABTA for tour-related bookings.
How do I claim a refund from STA Travel?
File a claim through the CAA’s ATOL portal if you booked a flight package.
Gather your booking confirmation, payment receipts, and any emails from STA Travel. Head to the CAA online claims portal to submit your details. If you paid with a credit or debit card, you might also try a chargeback through your bank within 120 days of the failed charge—this can help if the ATOL claim drags on. For ABTA-protected tours or cruises, contact the original provider or ABTA’s claims team directly.
What if I booked a cruise or tour with STA Travel?
ABTA protection likely applies if your booking was land-based or included a cruise.
Cruises and multi-day tours booked through STA Travel usually fall under ABTA’s rules, not ATOL. ABTA handles refunds and repatriation for package tours, and most claims go through the original operator or ABTA’s member groups. If you’re unsure whether your booking qualifies, check your confirmation email for ABTA or ATOL codes. When the tour operator also collapses, ABTA steps in to arrange refunds or alternative travel options.
Is my refund guaranteed if I booked with STA Travel?
It depends on the booking type and protection scheme; ATOL for flights, ABTA for tours.
ATOL protection guarantees refunds for flight-inclusive packages, but timing varies—UK claims usually take 28 working days, while other regions like South Africa can drag on longer. ABTA-protected bookings depend on the tour operator, so refund speeds differ. By 2026, over 95% of eligible UK ATOL claims are settled, but a few international cases remain open. If your claim gets rejected, escalate it to the CAA or ABTA ombudsman for another look.
How long does it take to get a refund from STA Travel?
Most UK ATOL claims are resolved within 28 working days, but international cases may take months.
According to the CAA, most UK ATOL refund claims finish within 28 working days. Australia wrapped up all eligible claims by Q1 2024, while South Africa’s refund system (which relies on bank chargebacks) moves slower due to different rules. North American claims follow the same UK timeline. If your refund is stuck, contact the CAA or ABTA with your claim number—delays often mean they need more paperwork.
What regions does STA Travel’s refund system cover?
Refunds are managed regionally: ATOL in the UK, ABTA for UK-based tours, and local systems in Australia and South Africa.
In the UK, ATOL covers flight packages and ABTA handles land-based tours, both overseen by the CAA and ABTA. Australia uses ATOL protections through the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). South Africa runs its own system, refunding via bank chargebacks because ATOL coverage is limited there. North American claimants should use the CAA portal, since STA Travel was a UK-registered company. Check your booking confirmation for the protection scheme code.
Can I still use my STA Travel VISA card?
No, STA Travel VISA cards were deactivated and are no longer usable.
STA Travel’s prepaid VISA cards got shut down in January 2021 and deactivated shortly after. Any leftover funds were sent back to the linked bank account or credited to your STA Travel account, which no longer exists. If you’re holding an old card, it’s completely worthless now. To challenge any lingering charges, call your bank and file a chargeback within 120 days of the transaction.
What’s the difference between ATOL and ABTA protection?
ATOL covers flight-inclusive packages; ABTA covers land-based tours, cruises, and hotel packages without flights.
ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) is a UK financial shield that refunds travelers if their flight-inclusive package gets canceled or the operator folds. ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) protects land-based travel like tours, cruises, and hotel-only packages. For example, if you booked a flight + safari tour with STA Travel, the flight part falls under ATOL, while the tour itself might be ABTA-protected. The CAA handles ATOL claims, while ABTA manages its own member disputes.
Are there any STA Travel branches still open?
No, all STA Travel branches closed permanently in 2020–2021.
The last STA Travel branches—in London (Covent Garden, 10 Mercer St, WC2H 9QB), Sydney (39 Martin Place, NSW 2000), and Johannesburg (Sandton City, corner Rivonia Rd)—closed for good in early 2021. No physical locations remain. Need in-person travel help? Try branches of Flight Centre or StudentUniverse, which still support youth travelers in major cities.
Can I still get the same discounts STA Travel offered?
Not directly from STA Travel, but similar youth travel discounts are available from competitors.
STA Travel’s famous under-27 discounts are gone, but rivals offer comparable deals. Try StudentUniverse (which teams up with airlines for exclusive fares), Gapwork (for working holiday visas), and Contiki (for ages 18–35). Prices shift with season and route, but expect 10–30% savings on flights and tours through these sites. Always double-check prices on Skyscanner to lock in the best deal.
What should I do if my STA Travel refund claim is denied?
Appeal the decision through the CAA or ABTA ombudsman within 6 months of denial.
If your claim gets rejected, gather all your paperwork—correspondence, booking confirmations, and payment proof—and submit an appeal to the CAA via their appeals portal. For ABTA-related claims, reach out to ABTA’s disputes team or escalate to the ABTA ombudsman. The appeals process usually takes 4–8 weeks, so move fast. If it’s still unresolved, small claims court is an option—many STA Travel refund cases have been settled this way.
Are there any alternatives to STA Travel for youth travel?
Yes—StudentUniverse, Contiki, Intrepid Travel, and Gapwork offer similar youth-focused deals.
For cheap flights and adventure tours, check out StudentUniverse (ages 18–26), which partners with airlines for exclusive discounts. Contiki runs 18–35 group tours packed with social activities, while Intrepid Travel offers eco-friendly adventure trips for all ages. Working holiday travelers should try Gapwork, which helps with visas and job placement in places like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Before booking, compare packages on TripAdvisor to read recent reviews.
