Flights often serve to jet passengers off to their dream holiday destination. However, travelling can quickly turn into a nightmare if a flight is cancelled or delayed. Severe weather can cause airlines to axe flights, throwing holidaymakers’ plans into chaos.
Myles Quee, a travel expert from luggage shipping company Send My Bag, shared his advice for plane passengers exclusively with Express.co.uk.
He pointed out that jet-setters should think about their journey to the airport as well as travel from the airport itself.
“If travelling by public transport to the airport, make sure you allow additional time for travel and keep your tickets and receipts,” Myles said.
“Trains can often be cancelled due to bad weather and whilst your travel insurer might cover you if you miss your flight for this reason, you’ll need to prove that you allowed plenty of time for travel.”
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If your flight is cancelled the next step will very much depend on the airline – is it under the EU or not?
“If your flight is operated by an airline under the EU and cancelled, you’re entitled to either an alternative flight to your destination or a full refund of the cancelled flight,” explained Myles.
“If the airline cannot provide a timely replacement, they should also reimburse the cost of a flight with an alternative airline.”
So what happens if your flight is delayed for a long period of time?
“If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, the situation becomes more nuanced,” clarified Myles.
“If the delay is over two hours, you are entitled to: food and drink subsidies (within reason) which are usually offered to customers as vouchers, assistance with communicating if you don’t have access to a mobile phone; accommodation if the delay lasts overnight; and transport between the airport and your accommodation.”
If you’re expensing items it’s vital you keep all receipts and don’t go overboard on the spending.
“In the above circumstances, the airline may ask that you pay and that they will cover the costs.
“It’s important that customers affected by delays keep receipts for any spend, and don’t abuse the system too much as the airline may not cover the costs of any non-essential expenses such as staying in a luxury hotel or use of a mini bar.
“Travellers are advised to first speak to the airline to find out exactly what they will cover and also ensure they have travel insurance in place before heading off.”
However, it’s important to remember that flights disruption caused by weather comes under “exceptional circumstances” as it is out of the airline’s hands.
“People aren’t able to claim for airline compensation if a flight has been delayed due to weather as this is usually classed as “exceptional circumstances,” said Myles.
“Travel insurers may be willing to cover other costs though such as unused hotel or car rental bookings, depending on your policy.”
The Met Office warning reads: “Strong, gusty winds are expected across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England during Saturday.
“The strongest winds will likely occur in the vicinity of heavy, squally showers. Whilst not all areas will see the strongest winds, gusts of 55-65 mph are expected in places.
“Exposed parts of northern and western Scotland may see gusts of 65-75 mph.
“Showers will fall as a mixture of rain, hail and sleet with snow accumulations expected to be restricted to higher ground (above 200 to 300 m). Winds will gradually moderate during Saturday evening.”
