Brits heading on holidays in recent months have been facing chaotic queues at airports, as well as a host of flight delays and cancellations across the likes of easyJet, British Airways and TUI.
Meanwhile some holidaymakers are reporting being stuck in hours-long queues as airports struggle to cope following staff shortages and surges of travellers.
But what are your rights if your holiday is cancelled, or your flight is delayed?
We take a look at the key things you need to know below - including when you're entitled to compensation.
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Your rights if a holiday is cancelled
If a travel firm or company cancels your holiday, you are entitled to a full refund. You can also be offered alternatives such as rebooking to a later date, an alternative holiday or vouchers to use for future trips - you can choose any of these options if you prefer, but you are entitled to the refund if that's your preferred option.
The CMA explains: "If package holiday organisers cancel your holiday you are entitled to a full refund within 14 days of the cancellation date."
It adds: "Your refund should be provided irrespective of whether the company you booked with has received funds from other companies involved in your trip, such as airlines."
Of course sometimes it's just the flights that are the issue, not the whole holiday.
If your flight is cancelled but not your trip, ABTA - The Travel Association says: "If your flight is cancelled and you’ve booked a package holiday, you are entitled to a suitable alternative flight or, if that’s not possible, a full refund."
You can find out more at abta.com and gov.uk.
If your flight is delayed
If your flight is delayed, you may be entitled to compensation depending on how long the delay lasts, and the length/duration of your flight.
The Civil Aviation Authority says that you are entitled to compensation for the following:
- Short-haul flight of under 1,500km - £220 if you wait more than two hours
- Medium-haul flight of 1,500km – 3,500km - £350 if you wait more than three hours
- Long-haul flight of over 3,500km £520 if you wait more than four hours (if it's under four hours then you may be entitled to £260)
When your flight is delayed, your airline should provide you with vouchers for food and drink, or accommodation if this required. (This can include booking a hotel and arranging transportation).
The CAA does add: "Sometimes airlines are unable to arrange care and assistance for all passengers. This can happen when staff are stretched during major disruptions.
If this happens, in our view you have the right to organise reasonable care and assistance yourself, then claim the cost back later. If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable. Airlines are unlikely to refund you for things like luxury hotels or alcohol. Some will provide guidance on reasonable costs."
Keep all receipts and you should be able to get your money back - if you're unhappy with how long it's taking or you're not happy with an airline's decision regarding your claim, you can make a complaint with the CAA.
Your rights for cancelled flights
If your flight is cancelled by the airline, you're entitled to receive a full refund, or a booking on an alternative flight to your destination.
You may be offered vouchers to use for future trips - you can choose this option if you wish, but if you'd prefer the full refund you are entitled to it.
According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, a full refund also includes "other flights from the airline that you won’t use in the same booking such as onward or return flights".
If you're part-way through a journey, you also have a right to fly back to your original departure airport.
It's worth noting that if you were given less than two weeks' notice for the cancellation and you're offered a replacement flight that delays you by at least two hours, you may also be entitled to compensation.
You can find out more on caa.co.uk and citizensadvice.org.uk.
Have you been affected by flight delays and cancellations this half term? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com.
