WOW air has ceased operations – leaving thousands of passengers stranded and out of pocket.
After going bust today (Thursday 28), the Icelandic airline has issued advice to customers.
Here’s everything you need to know about “rescue flights” and compensation.
What has WOW air said about its closure?
The budget airline has issued the following statement: “Wow Air has ceased operation. All Wow Air flights have been cancelled.
“Passengers are advised to check available flights with other airlines.
“Some airlines may offer flights at a reduced rate, so-called rescue fares, in light of the circumstances.”
FLIGHT PLAN: Here’s what to do if you’re an affected WOW air customer (Pic: PA)
What rescue fares are available for affected customers?
Currently, WOW air customers are stranded in locations including the US, France and Spain.
In a bid to help some of these holidaymakers out, a number of airlines are offering up “rescue flights”.
Wiz Air is offering reduced fares for those who were set to travel between Reykjavik and London with WOW from £74.99.
These tickets must be booked by April 7 and will only be available until May 10.
Meanwhile, Icelandair is aiding those who are stranded in Europe or North America.
If you have ticket home between March 28 and April 11, you are likely to be eligible – click here for more information.
Norwegian is another airline that is pitching in to help affected customers.
The airline is giving WOW air punters a 25% discount on selected economy net fares – click here for more information.
Alternatively, EasyJet is offering a dedicated rescue fare of £110.
Until April 7, customers who were set to fly between London and Keflavik can snap up tickets at this price – call +44 (0) 330 365 50302 for more information.
PROBLEM SOLVING: Some airlines are offering up ‘rescue flights’ (Pic: PA)
How can affected WOW air customers claim compensation?
WOW Air advised passengers to contact their credit card companies over refunds.
A statement read: “Passengers whose ticket was paid with a credit card are advised to contact their credit card company to check whether a refund of the ticket cost will be issued.
“Passengers who bought their ticket from a European travel agent (within the European Economic Area) as a part of a package tour (a package which includes flights and accommodation or other services) are protected by the Package Travel Directive.
“Those passengers are advised to contact their travel agent to arrange an alternative flight.
“Passengers who may have bought travel protection, or those passengers whose credit card terms may include such protection, may be entitled to claim compensation and assistance due to delays or travel disruption.
“However, such compensation is often limited.”
Passengers should also consider making a claim with their travel insurers.
Those who have signed up to Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) are likely to be protected.
This policy tends to cover the cost of the purchased tickets.
Some schemes will also reimburse travellers with the cost of purchasing new flights back to the UK.
It’s worth calling your travel insurer to see if there’s anything they can do.
Finally, those who have booked a package trip may also be entitled to money back.
As these holidays are often ATOL protected, the travel company is responsible for your flight arrangements.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority, this “ensures you do not lose money or become stranded abroad if your ATOL holder collapses”.
