‘How you can claim compensation if your travel plans are cancelled’ (3/3)
James said: “People who bought their accommodation and activities as part of a package deal can claim compensation in the event their flight is cancelled. However, it gets a little murkier if you booked them separately yourself.
“The good news is that travel insurance should pay out if your airline is unable to get you to your destination and you miss out on your holiday as a result.
“People without travel insurance, however, are left at the mercy of the cancellation and refund policies at their destination. “
Rory Boland, editor at Which? Travel, said for people who are planning on heading to the airport in the next couple of days, to avoid taking luggage which needs to be checked in as this can delay you getting through to security, which can be an additional stress.
He added: “If you are checking in bags, make sure you keep valuables in your cabin bags.
“We are hearing from people who are getting to their destinations and those things are getting lost.”
Rory said this was due to a shortage of baggage handlers and general staff across the aviation industry.
Rory’s general advice for customers looking to book holidays later this summer was to book flexible holidays, as even if you receive a refund or compensation for your flight, it might not cover the cost of cancelled accommodation or tours.
“Look at hotels, look for tour operators who allow you to cancel without paying a penalty,” he said.
“Air BnB will tell you about the cancellation policy. I would be looking at places that offer 100% back.
“£220 (compensation) is a lot of money but if you have booked a family holiday, it’s not going to cover you for that 3 or 4* hotel.”
There have been reports of customers turning up extra early for their flights, but Rory said to turn up when the airline tells you to to avoid extra congestion in airports.
But he also said to make sure you turn up on time, so that if your flight is cancelled, it makes claiming for a refund, re-booking or compensation easier.
“In terms of turning up at the airport, I know people are worried about that in normal times.
“Turn up at the time that the airport is advising you to, that gives you some protection if something goes wrong.”
