Flight cancelled? Here's what to do

It can seem daunting reading about flight cancellations in the media, although your holiday should be an exciting time, sometimes instances like this can take place. However, not to worry, as your Personal Travel Consultant is on hand to help guide you through any scenario.

It may be all over the news, but don’t worry, the actual number of flights being cancelled is very low in comparison to the number actually taking off. Flight cancellations are unfortunately taking place, however, the importance of these is that the airports are doing so as a way to help keep disruption to a minimum, especially over the summer months when Brits flock for their getaways.

It may not seem like it, but the recent chaos is primarily caused by the fact we are back travelling to pre-pandemic levels; we Brits have been eager to get away for the past 2 years and with the ease of restrictions not just in the UK, but worldwide too, means we can finally get back on those well-needed breaks.

What to do when your flight is cancelled

Contact your Personal Travel Consultant who will be able to offer guidance and support
If you have booked a package holiday, the tour operator you booked with will find you an alternative flight; they will get you to the resort/home by any means which can sometimes mean an indirect flight. Accommodation will be provided where needed also.
If an alternative outbound flight is not available, you will be offered a full refund.
If you are in a resort, the tour operator will arrange you a flight home (if booked a package holiday)
If you are given less than 2 weeks' notice, you may be able to claim compensation* (in addition to a refund of re-routing). This will only apply when the cancellation is outside of the airline's control; such as extreme weather or air traffic control strikes
It is important to always have adequate insurance in place before you travel that includes airport disruptions where applicable
At time of booking, read through the Terms and Conditions of your holiday so you are aware as each airline/tour operator may differ

*To be eligible for compensation, the cancelled flight must be either departing from an airport in the UK on any airline; or arriving at an airport in the UK on an EU or UK airline; or arriving at an airport in the EU on a UK airline. The amount you can claim will depend on the length of the cancelled flight, the length of the disruption and how much notice the airline gives.

Under UK law, airlines must provide you with care and assistance if your flight is cancelled.

This means they must provide:

A reasonable amount of food and drink (often provided in the form of vouchers)
A means for you to communicate (often by refunding the cost of your calls)
Accommodation, if you are re-routed the next day (usually in a nearby hotel)
Transport to and from the accommodation (or your home, if you are able to return there)
The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it.