Cancelled flight? Know your rights

JUST when we thought the travel situation couldn’t get any worse for holidaymakers, it has.

British Airways has announced it will axe 10,300 more flights between now and October and Ryanair staff have said they will be striking from July 12-15, 18-21 and 25-28 at Spanish airports.

If you’re due to travel over the next few months, here is the key information you need to be armed with if your flight is cancelled…

WILL I STILL GET TO MY HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you an alternative flight to your destination, if there is one available.

This is not only an alternative flight with the same carrier, but with any carrier.

WILL I BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?

If your flight is cancelled less that 14 days before your date of departure, you will be entitled to compensation unless the reason for the cancellation falls within the definition of “extraordinary circumstances”.

Generally, this will be an event outside of the airline’s control.

I can confirm staff shortages and strikes are NOT events that fall within extraordinary circumstances so the airlines will have no defence to compensation claims.

I DON’T WANT TO RISK RUINING MY HOLIDAY. CAN I CANCEL MY FLIGHT AND GET A REFUND?

No. If you cancel the flight before the airline, it will be able to legitimately deny your refund and compensation claim. It is therefore important to do nothing and let the airline make the first move.

If you would like more advice on the current travel chaos, including in relation to delays and cancellations on the trains and ferries as well as in the air, watch me on Britain’s Travel Chaos: How to Save Your Summer, on Tuesday, July 12, at 8pm on Channel 5. Alternatively, stream it on My5.