UK Holidaymakers Face Flight Disruptions This Summer
Thousands of UK holidaymakers are travelling this summer, but some will encounter flight disruptions. When flights are cancelled or delayed, passengers have specific rights, primarily the right to a refund. However, these rights can vary depending on the airline and the departure location.
Compensation beyond a refund is only payable when the airline is at fault. The following outlines what passengers can expect.
What Do Airlines Have to Offer Passengers?
UK and EU airlines, as well as other carriers departing from UK or EU airports, have obligations to assist passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled. This includes providing meals and accommodation if necessary, and ensuring passengers reach their destination. Airlines should arrange alternative flights at no extra cost.
Additional losses, such as unused accommodation, may require claims through credit card providers if that was the payment method used. Subsequently, claims might be made to travel insurance providers, though coverage varies and requires careful review of policy details.
Passengers are also advised to follow travel advice from the UK government, as this can impact travel insurance rights.
If My Flight Is Cancelled, Can I Get a Refund or Another Flight?
If your flight is covered by UK law, the airline must offer you a choice between a refund or an alternative flight, regardless of how far in advance the cancellation occurred. You can receive a refund for any unused portion of your ticket. For example, if the outbound leg of a return flight is cancelled, you can get a full refund for the entire return ticket.
If you still wish to travel, the airline must arrange an alternative flight. If another airline offers a significantly earlier flight to your destination, or there are other suitable transport options, you have the right to be booked on those alternatives.
However, ongoing disruptions caused by the Iran conflict may limit immediate seat availability.
If your flight arrives in the UK on a non-UK or EU airline, you should check the booking terms and conditions.
Will the Airline Pay for Food and Accommodation?
If you are stranded abroad or at the airport due to a cancellation, airlines covered by UK legislation must provide reasonable assistance, including:
- Food and drink, often via vouchers
- Means of communication, such as reimbursement for calls
- Free accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary
- Transport to and from the accommodation
If the airline cannot arrange assistance, passengers may organise it themselves and claim reimbursement later. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) advises keeping receipts and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
You are entitled to similar assistance if your flight is delayed by more than two hours for short-haul, three hours for medium-haul, or four hours for long-haul flights. If delayed over five hours and you choose not to travel, you can claim a full refund.
What Are My Rights If I Have Booked a Package Holiday?
If you booked a package holiday with an ABTA member company and your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to a suitable alternative flight or a full refund.
Can I Claim Extra Compensation for Disruption?
Disruptions caused by extraordinary circumstances such as conflict, severe weather, strikes by airport or air traffic control staff do not entitle passengers to extra compensation.
However, if the disruption is deemed the airline's fault, passengers have rights under UK law. These apply when flying from a UK airport on any airline, arriving at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline.
Compensation depends on the cause of cancellation and the notice period. If cancellation occurs with less than two weeks' notice, compensation may be claimed based on the timing of the alternative flight offered.
Compensation amounts vary by flight distance:
- Up to £220 per person for flights under 1,500km (e.g., Glasgow to Amsterdam)
- Up to £350 per person for flights between 1,500km and 3,500km (e.g., East Midlands to Marrakesh)
- Up to £520 per person for flights over 3,500km (e.g., London to New York)
What If Flight Delays Mean I Am Late for Work?
Airlines do not refund loss of earnings due to delays, and travel insurance policies typically exclude such coverage. Legal experts advise passengers to inform their employers if they anticipate being late due to flight delays.
Passengers should agree with their employers on how to handle the absence, such as using annual leave or unpaid leave. Employers are not legally obligated to pay employees for absences caused by flight delays unless specified in the employment contract.
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