Your rights if your flight is cancelled while on…

Your rights if your flight is cancelled while on holiday

Alongside the standard summer getaway congestion on the roads, many holidaymakers also face rail disruption and, in particular, problems getting flights. Many popular carriers, like EasyJet and British Airways, have already removed tens of thousands of flights from their schedules due to staffing problems.

Unfortunately, this has led many travellers departing from large airports like Edinburgh, Manchester, Heathrow, and Gatwick to be huddled around departure boards, looking for the latest flight cancellation news.

But, should you be lucky enough to make your flight out of the UK, what are your rights should your return flight be cancelled?

When do I have UK rights if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight fits any of the following criteria, you have several rights under UK law and may be able to claim compensation:

If it is leaving from the UK (no matter which airline it was with)
If it was arriving in the UK and was with a UK or EU airline
If it was arriving in the EU and was with a UK airline

What happens if my flight is cancelled?

Under UK law, according to Citizen’s Advice, once your flight is delayed by more than five hours, you do not have to take it. If your flight is cancelled by your airline, Citizen’s Advice goes on to state that you have the legal right to either:

a full refund - including for other flights from the airline that you won’t use in the same booking such as onward or return flights
a replacement flight to get you to your destination

If the cancellation results in delays (should you choose an alternative flight), you may also be entitled to help with costs and compensation, as set out on the Citizen’s Advice page. If you are only part of the way through your journey, you also have the right to be returned to your original airport if you choose.

If you choose a replacement flight, your airline should also help you with things like food and drink, access to phone calls and emails, and accommodation if you’re delayed overnight (as well as travel between the airport and the hotel). What help you get will depend on the distance you are travelling and how long you are delayed for, with all details available on the Citizen’s Advice page.

For more advice

For more assistance, you may wish to check with the following:

Check if the airline is a member of an approved alternative dispute resolution (ADR) body.
Report your issue to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133 or the online form.