Privacy Policy - AK Travels United Kingdom

Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters to us. Learn how we protect and handle your personal information.

Last Updated: January 2025

1. Overview

AK Travels ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our travel services.

We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and other applicable data protection laws. This policy applies to all information collected through our website, mobile applications, and other digital platforms.

Data Controller: AK Travels, 123 Travel Street, London, UK

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

  • Name, email address, and phone number
  • Billing and shipping addresses
  • Payment information (processed securely by third-party providers)
  • Travel preferences and special requirements
  • Passport and identification details (for international bookings)
  • Emergency contact information

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • IP address and device information
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited and time spent on our website
  • Referring website information
  • Location data (with your consent)

2.3 Third-Party Information

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as social media platforms, travel partners, and public databases, to enhance our services and verify information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

  • Processing and managing your bookings
  • Providing customer support and assistance
  • Communicating important travel information
  • Facilitating payments and refunds

3.2 Business Operations

  • Improving our services and website functionality
  • Conducting market research and analytics
  • Preventing fraud and ensuring security
  • Complying with legal obligations

3.3 Marketing and Communications

  • Sending promotional offers and newsletters (with consent)
  • Personalizing your experience and recommendations
  • Conducting customer satisfaction surveys

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:

  • Payment processors and financial institutions
  • Hotels, airlines, and other travel suppliers
  • Technology and hosting providers
  • Customer service and support providers

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

  • SSL encryption for data transmission
  • Secure servers and data centers
  • Regular security audits and assessments
  • Employee training on data protection
  • Access controls and authentication measures

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. Please use caution when sharing sensitive information online.

6. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Right of Access

Request copies of your personal data

Right to Rectification

Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

Right to Erasure

Request deletion of your personal data

Right to Restrict Processing

Limit how we use your data

Right to Data Portability

Receive your data in a portable format

Right to Object

Object to certain types of processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 10. We will respond to your request within one month.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

7.1 Types of Cookies

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
  • Performance Cookies: Help us analyze website usage
  • Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences
  • Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)

7.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide our services and fulfill contractual obligations
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
  • Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
  • Improve our services and prevent fraud

Typically, we retain booking information for 7 years after the completion of travel services, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

9. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside the UK. When we transfer your data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

  • Adequacy decisions by the UK government
  • Standard contractual clauses
  • Binding corporate rules
  • Certification schemes

10. Contact Us About Privacy

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:

Data Protection Officer

AK Travels

123 Travel Street, London, UK

Email: privacy@aktravels.uk

Phone: +44 330 0300 185

Response Time: Within 30 days of receipt

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last Updated" date.

By continuing to use our services after any changes, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the updated Privacy Policy.