AIRLINES are slashing flight times this week in an effort to prevent a summer filled with travel chaos.
Yesterday, BA announced that it would slash 170,000 seats from Heathrow to Gatwick on more than 1,000 flights to destinations such as Spain, Greece and the Algarve.
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EasyJet has cancelled certain Gatwick flights after it reduced the number of passengers it would accept to avoid the chaos of recent weeks.
So what’s in store for this summer? What are your rights and how can you protect yourself? This is the essential guideline.
Q: Why do airlines cancel so many of their flights?
A: As the aviation industry struggles to recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic, staff shortages are affecting both airlines and airports.
Many employees were laid off or forced out of the industry by travel restrictions and lockdowns that reduced demand.
The shortage of ground crew, cabin crew, security staff, and caterers is alarming.
Training and security screening new staff takes time.
Q: What are my rights in the event that my flight is cancelled at last minute?
A:Your airline should get you to your destination. It does not have to be on one of its planes.
They should rebook you if they have seats available on the same day as your departure.
In reality, airlines will try to convince you to rebook on another flight with them so that they don’t have to pay another airline.
You also have the right to food, drink and phone calls, and, if you cancel at night, a room in a hotel.
Q: I was offered a refund by the airline. Should I accept it?
A: No! It’s not a good idea.
You can accept a refund for a cancelled flight. The airline is not responsible.
It is always better if you ask to be rebooked for another flight.
You can get reasonable flight costs back from the airline if you do it yourself.
For extra protection, keep all receipts.
Q: Can I get compensation, as well as another flight, if my flight is cancelled and it is the airline’s fault?
A: Compensation is available if your flight cancellation occurs within two weeks from departure.
Your travel distance determines what you are entitled to.
For short haul flights under 1,500km, such as London to Amsterdam, it is £220.
For mid-haul flights up 3,500km, such as East Midlands to Marrakech, it’ iss £350.
For long haul, over 3,500km like London to New York, it’s £520.
You are not due compensation if a flight is cancelled because of other extraordinary circumstances, such as extreme weather or airport or air traffic control strikes.
If the flight that you re-rebooked is not departing more than 2 hours before your original departure and your new arrival takes less than 4 hours, there will be no compensation.
Q: My cancelled flight means I won’t be able to pick up my hire car or check into my hotel, what happens then?
A: Contact your car rental company or hotel immediately.
They are aware of the difficulties this summer and will hopefully be able help you once they have the situation and that you have arrived within 24 hours.
If you can’t get away, then the normal terms and condition will apply.
It is always best that you contact them immediately after you become aware of a problem to ask for their assistance.
Before you book your car, read the fine print. Some cars allow cancellations within 24 hours.
Q: What happens to my flight if it is delayed?
A: If you are delayed by more than two hours on short-haul routes, three or four on medium-haul routes, you can get a reasonable amount (often given in vouchers), telephone calls, internet access, hotel accommodation, and transfers if your delay leaves you at an airport overnight.
If you’re not provided with these by your airline, you can pay then claim the expenses back from your airline – BUT – they must be reasonable.
The airline won’t pay if you eat in a Michelin-starred restaurant or stay in the most expensive 5* hotel.
Q: I’m flying easyJet – has it already cancelled all the flights it is going to cancel?
A: Theoretically, yes.
The airline has cut approximately six percent of its summer schedule. They have already informed the affected of cancellations. Most of them were given an alternate flight within 24hours of their original reservation.
Q: My flight hasn’t been cancelled but I am worried about the queues.
A: Before you leave, check your flight status and arrive at the airport at the least three hours before your flight.
Fly hand-luggage only if you can. For many that isn’t possible, especially on a one or two-week holiday with the family.
Check to see if your luggage can be placed in the hold. Many tour operators offer night-drop services.
If not, make sure you divide travellers’ clothes and toiletries between bags so if one gets lost, you still have some.
You should never leave valuables, medicine, or car keys in your hold luggage.
Q: Covid cases seem to be on the rise. Is there any chance that the rules could be changed?
A: There have been an increase in cases across Europe. There are indications that some countries might reintroduce Covid restrictions such as indoor masking or vaccination proof.
Check your vaccinations – booster jabs must be taken if you have not had a booster jab within 270 days of your departure date in many European countries.
To avoid potential problems, keep a few masks or three in your hand luggage.