Can I Cancel my Greek Holiday Due to High Temperatures and Fires? Expert Advice Inside
By Dean Dunham / Updated: 22:04 BST, 18 July 2023
I have a planned family vacation to Greece later this month, but the heat seems unbearable, not to mention the risk of forest fires. I’m concerned about whether I can postpone the trip and if my travel insurance would cover it.
– Hannah Metcalfe, Cambridge
Consumer rights lawyer Dean Dunham has the answer.
According to Dunham, you should carefully review the terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to determine if you can make a claim in your specific circumstances. There are three potential instances where you may be able to cancel and claim on your insurance:
1. Medical grounds: If you can provide a doctor’s certificate stating that the excessive heat would worsen an existing medical condition, leading to your inability to travel.
2. UK Government warning: If the UK Government advises against all but essential travel to your destination due to the extreme heat.
3. State of emergency: If a state of emergency lasting more than a few days is declared at your travel destination.
It is advised to check the official government website, gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for any warnings before you travel.
Dunham cautions that if you were aware of the extreme heat at your travel destination before making the booking, your insurance provider may use this against you to decline your claim. In most other circumstances, it is unlikely that you will be covered as insurers typically consider it a “disinclination to travel” which is rarely included in a policy.
What About Flight Cancellations? Demand a Refund or Compensation?
I was supposed to fly with easyJet from Gatwick, but my flight got cancelled along with 1,700 others. They offered me an alternative flight, but I just want my money back. Can I demand a refund, and will I be eligible for compensation?
– Abigail Connor, Wembury, Devon
Dean Dunham explains. When an airline cancels a flight, they are obligated to find alternative flights for passengers, known as “re-routing.” Passengers can choose between accepting the alternative flight or receiving a full cash refund. If no alternative flight is available, you are entitled to a full cash refund, not just vouchers.
Your entitlement to compensation depends on two factors:
1. Notice of cancellation: If the airline provides less than 14 days’ notice prior to the departure date, they must pay compensation, unless they offer an alternative flight and the delay is less than two hours in reaching the final destination. Extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control may also exempt them from compensation.
2. Reason for cancellation: If the cause of the cancellation falls within the definition of “extraordinary circumstances,” the airline may claim exemption from compensation.
Fortunately, easyJet is reportedly not claiming “extraordinary circumstances” as the cause of these cancellations. Hence, passengers who received less than 14 days’ notice prior to departure may be eligible for compensation.
Got a question for Dean Dunham? You can write to him at Money Mail, Scottish Daily Mail, 20 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6DB, or email [email protected]. Please note that the Daily Mail holds no legal responsibility for the answers provided.
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