This summer has seen a series of travel disruptions caused by various incidents, both man-made and natural. The most significant event was the UK air traffic control meltdown in June, which resulted in the cancellation of over 2,000 flights. This year has proven to be even more challenging than the previous year, with cancellations and delays caused by extreme weather, strikes, and technical issues affecting UK travelers. The difficulties began in May when British Airways had to cancel almost 200 flights due to a technical problem. In June, easyJet had to cancel more than 100 Gatwick flights due to thunderstorms. The situation worsened in July when air traffic control strikes in Europe led to the cancellation of 1,700 summer flights. The worst hit occurred when wildfires in Rhodes and other parts of southern Europe caused chaos, trapping British tourists. Companies such as Tui, Jet2, and easyJet had to cancel trips, leaving many travelers stranded.
The increasing number of travel incidents has made it challenging for airlines to effectively manage the situation. Passengers have complained about practices such as overbooking, where more seats are sold than there are available on the plane. This has become common even with budget carriers like Ryanair. Paul Charles, CEO of The PC Agency, a travel consultancy, expressed that this year has been particularly stressful and unpredictable due to multiple events affecting travel. Established systems and processes are struggling to cope with the large number of people traveling.
If your travel plans have been affected, such as experiencing significant delays or having to incur additional costs, you are probably reviewing your airline documents and travel insurance policy to understand what you are entitled to. Here, we will explore your potential entitlements and provide advice on how to claim them.
Flight Delay or Cancellation
If your flight was delayed or cancelled and you were flying with a UK- or EU-based airline, you are entitled to compensation. However, the compensation depends on the cause of the disruption. If it was not the airline’s fault, such as in the case of the air traffic control meltdown, you are unlikely to be eligible for compensation. If the airline is at fault and your flight is delayed by more than three hours, compensation ranges from £220 for short-haul flights to £520 for long-haul flights. If your flight is cancelled less than two weeks before departure, you may also be entitled to compensation based on the timings of the alternative flight, with payouts ranging from £110 to £520.
You should receive a refund for any unused parts of your ticket. For instance, if your outbound flight was cancelled, you should receive a full refund for the entire ticket from your airline. However, passengers who have booked their own flights and accommodation, like Juliet Stott and her family, may face difficulties in obtaining refunds. Stott’s flight to Sicily with Jet2 was cancelled, leaving them no choice but to either cancel their holiday or purchase new flights. They sought assistance from Guardian Money to help recover the additional £1,600 they had to pay.
‘Denied Boarding’ or Overbooked Flights
Occasionally, airlines sell more seats than there are available on the plane, either because not all passengers show up or a smaller aircraft is used. If you volunteer to be bumped from your flight, you can negotiate compensation with the airline. Alternatively, you can also request an alternative flight or a refund. If you are forced off the flight without your consent, you are entitled to compensation, provided you checked in on time. The compensation framework is the same as for cancellations, based on flight type and delay.
Refunds for Weather-Related Ruined Holidays
If your holiday was cut short due to extreme weather, claiming compensation depends on the contract you have with the hotel or holiday company. Legally, businesses are generally not responsible for events beyond their control, such as natural disasters or extreme weather. However, if the hotel or holiday firm cannot deliver the service you paid for, you may be entitled to a proportional refund. For example, if your two-week package holiday in Rhodes was cancelled after seven days, you should expect a refund for the remaining seven days. If significant changes to your itinerary occur, the operator must offer an alternative holiday or a full refund. A change of over 12 hours during a 14-night holiday is considered significant.
How to Claim
Some airlines require passengers to submit claims directly, which can usually be done through their website. You may also be able to claim through your travel insurance, although it typically does not cover expenses that the airline is legally required to pay, such as overnight accommodation. Some insurance policies provide a set amount for delays over a certain period or cancellations, minus any excess. Compensation for costs incurred due to flight cancellations and delays can be a complex matter. “Direct loss” refers to money lost directly as a result of the situation, such as having to book another flight because the airline failed to provide an alternative. Airlines can be meticulous when it comes to paperwork, so it is essential to keep all relevant documents.
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