As the festive season approaches, Brits are being urged to get savvy with their compensation rights amidst potential travel chaos.
The Unite union has announced a walk-out that could hit holidaymakers hard, with fuel tanker drivers at Edinburgh Airport set to strike for 19 days over a pay row. Starting at 5am on December 18 and stretching until January 6, the industrial action threatens to disrupt both domestic and international flights during one of the busiest times of the year.
The union has pinned the blame squarely on North Air’s “belligerence”, warning that it could lead to flights being grounded over Christmas and New Year. Airport officials have been quick to reassure travellers that they’re working on backup plans with airlines to “minimise passenger disruption”.
Meanwhile, Nick Drewe, an expert from Wethift, is advising passengers on how to protect themselves against the holiday havoc. He recommends booking flights with credit cards and securing travel insurance well in advance of heading to the airport.
In the event of a flight cancellation, Nick has some savvy advice for travellers: “If an airline wrongly denies you a refund, you can initiate a chargeback through your credit card company and comprehensive insurance can cover cancellations. Look for Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI), which may offer up to £2,500 for ticket losses and additional costs.”
He also emphasised the importance of knowing your rights when flights are axed, saying: “If your flight is cancelled, your airline must offer you a choice between receiving a full refund or taking an alternative flight.”
Moreover, he pointed out that passengers are entitled to their money back for any part of the journey not taken, explaining: “You’re also entitled to a refund for any unused portion of your ticket. For instance, if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can claim a full refund for the entire ticket.”
However, for those who would rather not miss out on their much-anticipated holiday, Nick suggests working with the airline to find another way to reach your destination. If you opt for another flight with the same carrier, they should provide assistance such as meal vouchers, reimbursement for communication expenses, and accommodation if necessary, along with transport between the airport and your hotel.
When you’ve gone for a package deal, it’s usually the tour operator’s duty to sort out alternative travel and digs or cough up compensation. On the flip side, if you’ve done all your bookings separately and your flight gets scrubbed, don’t expect the airline to pick up the tab for your hotel or wheels.
It typically takes airlines about 6 to 8 weeks to get back to you on refunds. But here’s a tip from Nick: “If you’ve submitted a claim and received no response, you can contact the CEDR or an ombudsman, and they will investigate your claim, often prompting the airline to respond more quickly.” You can also check your rights as a passenger on the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
