Summer holiday advice has been issued to Scots as many people prepare to travel abroad for the first time since the Covid pandemic hit.
Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumeradvice.scot service, said people could be impacted by Brexit changes and staffing shortages in the aviation industry.
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The charity encouraged Scots to purchase travel or medical insurance – or to check if they are already covered – and to know their rights if their flights are delayed or cancelled.
With many people taking to the skies this summer, Advice Direct Scotland has reiterated to passengers that taking up travel insurance should be a must, as it will help add tat extra protection and solutions if things do go wrong. Travel insurance can offer cover against delays in departure, cancelled or shortened trips, medical emergencies, and accidental damage. It can also help if a travel provider goes out of business.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, warned passengers to not forget to take out travel insurance, whilst also explaining that Brexit has had an effect on health cover within Europe:
“Many Scots will not have travelled abroad for a number of years due to Covid restrictions. It’s important that people realise before they jet off on summer holidays that there may be several changes to what they are perhaps used to.
“Brexit has had an impact on the health cover we have when travelling within the European Union. People should ensure they have adequate protection in terms of travel insurance and access to healthcare in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong.”
The charity have also explained that if passengers find themselves stuck after their flight has been cancelled, they shouldn’t worry as airlines legally have to help passengers if their flight has been delayed or cancelled. After Brexit, the European Union’s EC261 regulation was transferred to British law and highlights that airlines must give passengers the option of rerouting to their destination at the earliest opportunity. This includes the offer of a flight on an alternative airline if this is the most appropriate option.
Colin Mathiseon has called on passengers to know their rights and that they are entitled to compensation or rerouted in the event of cancelled or delayed flights:
“Staffing issues in the aviation industry have also led to delays and cancellations at airports, so people should be aware of their rights around compensation and assistance if they are held up.
“Ensuring consumers are protected is more important than ever, which is why specialist advisers at consumeradvice.scot have put together some key information and guidance about areas that may impact on consumers this summer.”
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