Some passengers have had their half-term holiday plans turned upside down, after airlines including TUI and EasyJet cancelled scores of flights from UK airports.
With travellers also running into lengthy check-in queues at some airports, the huge demand for overseas flights has resulted in travel chaos. The problems have raised concerns that the looming summer holiday season could be seriously disrupted.
A combination of staff shortages and a surge in passenger numbers following the lifting of travel restrictions have resulted in serious problems at a number of airports.
As a result, a lot of people are wondering - what would happen to the rest of their package holiday if their flight was cancelled? Here’s what travel industry body ABTA has to say.
What happens to the rest of a package holiday if your flight is cancelled?
ABTA - a body representing travel agents and tour operators - advises travellers that if they’ve booked a package holiday and their flight is cancelled, they’re entitled to a suitable alternative flight or, where this isn’t possible, a full refund.
Package holidays are defined as holidays lasting at least 24 hours or involving overnight accommodation, consisting of a combination of at least two types of travel services. These services can include the following:
Transport, including flights, coach and train journeys (but not airport transfers)
Accommodation such as a hotel, apartment or villa
Car rental
Tourist services such as tour guides, where this is a significant part of the holiday either because of its cost or its centrality to the trip
However, if you’ve booked your flights and accommodation separately, this is not considered a package holiday. As a result, ABTA says you may not be able to recoup the costs involved.
It will be a matter for your accommodation provider to provide compensation. However, this will depend on their terms and conditions, and ABTA warns that the final decision may be left to their discretion.
ABTA also recommends contacting your travel insurance provider to discuss what cover their policy provides in situations of this sort.
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