The summer getaway period is finally here - we’ve made it through the heatwave and people across the land are packing and planning for their holidays abroad.
Of course, there is a dark cloud on the horizon. It’s almost impossible to be unaware of the swathe of flight cancellations that have rocked the aviation industry since April of this year.
We don’t know the full scale of the situation this summer yet as many cancellations are yet to be announced.
But airlines have already confirmed that flights will continue to be cancelled, while airports have also said that some capacity will have to be reduced, which means more holidays ruined at short notice.
If your flight gets cancelled, or you are worried about what might happen, then check out my guide in the Mirror here.
Many despairing holidaymakers will just be looking for a hassle-free trip abroad. So here’s my guide on what to watch out for and how to avoid a holiday horror.
Travel insurance
It’s vital to have a fully comprehensive travel insurance policy before you go on holiday.
However, with some insurance contracts reaching upwards of 170 pages, it can be hard to know what’s covered and what isn’t.
Always look for the ‘key facts’ booklet or download, which should tell you the most important things that you need to know (including policy limits and exclusions).
If you already have a policy, here’s what to check for (and if you haven’t, buy one right now!)
- Excess fees – these are the sums you have to pay towards a claim for various situations. The higher the fee, the worse value the policy.
- Policy limits – these are the maximum sums your policy will pay out for claims, on everything from lost luggage to hospital treatment. Get the best limits you can.
- Adventure sports cover – if you’re doing anything fun, from horse riding to paragliding, you can ‘add-on’ this extra level of cover cheaply. If you take a spontaneous but ill-advised trip on an inflatable banana boat, you’ll be grateful you did!
- Strike cover – 40% of policies don’t cover strikes (though cancellations and delays due to airline strikes get you compensation).
- Personal property – don’t take ten tons of tech like tablet computers and laptops if you can, as most insurance policies will have strict limits on pay-outs for lost, stolen and damaged items.
MoneySavingExpert has a great article on travel insurance and how to find the right cover for you here .
If you need to claim for a delayed or cancelled flight, don’t pay a firm to do this for you, make your claim for free through Resolver .
Planning for the airport
Airports are going to be busy and a bit chaotic this summer, so plan for the worst and hope for the best.
If you’ve got kids, take along plenty of things to keep them occupied. You might want to bring things like colouring books and magazines that are disposable so you don’t get weighed down, or download apps to keep them occupied.
The number one most important thing to take to the airport in 2022 is a phone or gadget charger.
There are loads available online so buy a few, charge them fully and keep them in your bag.
Last-minute announcements about your flight tend to arrive by email or through your app – and your tickets are likely to be on your phone too.
So don’t get caught out by a flat battery. Most airports have charging stations these days but there may be a high demand for them.
Remember that once your flight is delayed longer than two hours (timescales vary under the law) then you might be entitled to vouchers for food and drinks. Don’t get too excited, these are quite low value, but they are something.
Airport charges
You are a captive audience at the airport and they know it. So watch out for ever-increasing charges.
The worst, in my opinion, is the ‘drop off’ fee (what the French delightfully call the ‘kiss and wave’). You could be billed a fiver or more just for dropping someone off outside the airport! Short stay prices are rising too.
Car park costs are something to look at pragmatically.
They are pricey, but don’t be tempted to use one of the non-airport affiliated parking services.
I’ve heard endless horror stories about cars left parked in dodgy areas, being taken for joy rides and getting damaged. Don’t be fooled by flashy websites.
Last year some airports were charging for plastic bags for your toiletries!
You don’t need to use theirs, just check the security rules before you travel. Oh, and if you want ‘express security’ then you’ll have to pay for it in advance.
Shops and restaurants
As soon as you go airside, you’ll find that all kinds of things have become pricier, from water to a family meal.
Avoid getting ripped off by having a hearty meal before you leave the house.
When you get airside, look for sandwich shops just in case the airline isn’t able to provide a trolley service. For the past few months now, many airlines have had to drop the food and drink service due to staffing issues in the air and on the ground.
Don’t get carried away in duty free too. I’ve had a number of reports about some perfumes and aftershaves being the same price or even more expensive that discontinued scents on UK shelves. Plan your purchases in advance if you can.
Currency
You don’t need to be solely reliant on buying currency any more as most countries accept card payments.
I take a combination of cash and use some cards. But do your research beforehand.
Some digital banks don’t charge commission or interest on payments made using their cards (high street banks do, generally) and you can get some credit cards that do the same and give you the best daily rates. Here's my guide in The Mirror.
Above all else, don’t buy your currency at the airport. This is traditionally where the worst rates are.
Airport or station scammers
At your destination, beware of those people asking you to sign petitions or enter free competitions.
These are often scams and a way to get things like email addresses that can be sold to fraudsters – or to distract you while they pinch valuables.
In recent years, flight delay and cancellation claims management companies have been popping up at airports, looking to grab some business from delayed and exhausted travellers as they arrive.
If you’re legally entitled to compensation for a delayed flight (over three hours, T&Cs apply!) then claim for free.
Hotels
Watch out for things like weighted minibars that bill you as soon as you take something out.
I’ve heard horror stories about people chilling their own purchase but being billed as if they’d consumed the product.
Oh, and room service is never ever a good idea! Hotel restaurants are traditionally more expensive too.
You may find that staffing issues have resulted in some services being cut back.
If you are planning on the hotel kids club to keep your children occupied check if it’s open in advance, just in case. You may be able to claim some compensation (or an upgrade) if you specifically booked the hotel for that reason.
Martyn James is a consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist.
