So why is it all going horribly wrong for Britons’ summer holidays abroad by air?
As you might have heard, it’s a perfect storm following the two years of travel chaos caused by Covid-19 (anybody missing a Thursday 5pm Shapps o’clock travel traffic light Tweet? Thought not).
Is all this anybody’s fault? Yes and no. Avoidable? Yes and no.
The UK travel industry was poorly treated by the government during the pandemic and airport and airline employees were made redundant in their tens of thousands after businesses scrambled for survival.
Airport staff need security clearance from the government and the Civil Aviation Authority and the vetting process takes time, with reports of delays. Clearly, you can fire someone quicker than you can hire and you cannot have non-approved people working in airports.
Also, many people who left the aviation industry in the last two years have found new jobs - better pay with no split shifts and no anti-social hours. Can you blame them for not wishing to go back?
And, dull but very important bit, UK airlines are now contractually obliged to fill a hefty 70% of their precious airport take-off and landing slots or risk having to give them up.
Consequently, they have no choice but to try to operate their schedules at these levels, despite all the staffing pressures they face.
So, when Transport Secretary Grant Shapps earlier this month accused carriers and tour operators of overselling flights and holidays, he appeared to be ignoring his own department’s rule book on how many flights it stipulates they must operate (it raised it from 50% on March 27).
However, all the above said, it was blindingly obvious that a nation which loves a foreign sunshine summer holiday would stampede for terminals from Exeter to Aberdeen once coronavirus restrictions were lifted - and it does very much look like the wider aviation industry was largely ill-prepared for that.
Looking at the positives, despite all the frustrating and disappointing cancellations for tens of thousands of people, millions of Britons are still going to be able to get away for their summer holidays - though an awful lot of patience and gold medal standards of queueing may be required before they hit the sunloungers. Good luck, everybody.
PS: please be patient with what hard-pressed staff the airports do have working, this terminal turbulence is not their fault and they are doing their best.
What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled
If your flight is delayed, you could be entitled to compensation from the airline - this varies with the duration of the journey and the destination country. If your plane is cancelled, you can request a refund or ask for a replacement flight (see Q&A below).
You may also be able to log a claim through your travel insurance - I always recommend buying a suitable policy as soon as you book a trip abroad, or have an annual policy in place, which can be better value if you travel several times a year.
We are clearly still in uncertain times for travelling overseas, so I also strongly suggest buying package holidays with the Civil Aviation Authority's comprehensive ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protection in case of airline or tour operator failures.
UK consumer law is also abundantly clear on cancelled packages - you get a cash refund if this is your preference. The Package Travel Regulations 2018 say holidaymakers are entitled to a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation being known.
And if you are arranging your own travel, it's savvy to pay on a credit card – then you’re covered for up to £30,000 under section 75 of the UK Consumer Credit Act, though this may not apply to bookings made via a third party.
Also, anyone still looking to book getaways this summer and beyond should definitely consider using a professional travel agent who will provide advice and help if flights are cancelled or rescheduled.
Q&A
Q: What if my flight is delayed?
A: it varies on where it is long, medium, or short-haul and the length of the delay.
But you should be given a reasonable amount of food and drink (usually via vouchers), refunds for the cost of any phone calls, and a hotel if you are delayed to the next day, with transport to it.
Q: What if I am denied boarding?
A: if you did not volunteer to be ‘bumped’ from the flight for agreed recompense, you are entitled to compensation, providing you checked-in on time.
Like delays, levels vary depending on the flight duration and the timings of the alternative journey. It can be as much as £520 per person.
Again, you are entitled to food, drink and accommodation if necessary. If you don’t want to go, you’ll be refunded for all parts of the ticket you have not used.
Q: What if my flight is cancelled?
A: Much the same as above, though if there are too many passengers for the staff on duty to cope with, and you have to fend for yourself and end up paying for things, then make sure you keep all receipts and be reasonable with costs.
An airline is not likely to reimburse you for staying at a five-star hotel and buying alcoholic drinks.
