AIRLINES are this week slashing flight schedules in an attempt to save us from a summer of travel chaos.
BA said yesterday it will axe up to 170,000 seats on nearly 1,000 flights from Heathrow and Gatwick on routes to holiday hotspots including Spain, the Algarve and Greece.
EasyJet has cancelled some Gatwick services after the airport cut the number of flights it would accept in an attempt to avoid the chaos of recent months.
So what’s in store for this summer? How can you protect yourself and what are your rights? Here is our essential cut- out-and-keep guide.
Q: Why are airlines cancelling so many flights?
A: Staff shortages are crippling both airports and airlines as the aviation industry attempts to recover from the devastation caused by the pandemic.
Thousands of staff were made redundant or left the industry as lockdowns and travel restrictions decimated demand.
There is a shortage of cabin crew, ground handlers, security staff and even caterers.
Training and security vetting new staff takes time.
Q: What are my rights if my flight is cancelled last minute?
A: Your airline must get you to your destination. This does not necessarily mean on one of its flights.
If a rival airline has seats on the day of your departure to your destination, they should rebook you on that.
In reality, airlines will encourage you to rebook with them on another flight so they avoid paying another airline.
You are also entitled to food, drink, phone calls and if the cancellation is at night, a hotel.
Q: The airline is offering me a refund, should I just get my money back?
A: No! It’s not a good idea.
If you accept a refund for your cancelled flight the airline no longer has any responsibility.
It is always better to ask to be rebooked on another flight.
If you do so yourself, you can claim reasonable flight costs back from your airline.
Keep all receipts and if possible, pay by credit card for further protection.
Q: Can I get compensation, as well as another flight, if my flight is cancelled and it is the airline’s fault?
A: You are due compensation if your flight is cancelled within two weeks of departure – right up to the day of travel and the airline is at fault.
What you are entitled to is based on how far you were travelling.
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.
There is no compensation if any flight you re-rebooked on departs no more than two hours before your original flight and your new flight lands less than four hours after the original arrival.
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 hire company or hotel immediately.
They are well aware of the challenges this summer and should hopefully be able to help once they know the situation and you are arriving within 24hours.
If you are unable to get away at all then unfortunately the normal terms and conditions will apply.
It is always best to contact them as soon as you know there is a problem and ask for their help and understanding.
Check the small print on your booking BEFORE you choose the car – some allow free cancellations up to 24 hours.
Q: What happens if my flight is delayed?
A: If the delay is more than two hours on short haul routes, three on medium haul or four on long haul routes you are entitled to a reasonable amount of food and drink (often provided in vouchers), phone calls or internet access, as well as hotel accommodation and transfers if the delay means you are stuck 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: In theory, yes.
The airline has cut around six per cent of its summer schedule and has already told those affected about cancellations – the majority have been given an alternative flight within 24hours of their original booking.
Q: My flight hasn’t been cancelled but I am worried about the queues.
A: Check your flight status before you leave home and aim to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight.
If possible, fly hand-luggage only. For many that isn’t possible, especially on a one or two-week holiday with the family.
If you are putting luggage in the hold, check to see if you can drop your cases off the night before – many tour operators are offering night-drop services.
If not, make sure you divide travellers’ clothes and toiletries between bags so if one gets lost, you still have some.
Never put car keys, medicines or valuables in hold baggage – keep them with you at all times.
Q: Covid cases are rising, is there any chance that rules could come back?
A: Cases have been rising across Europe and there are some indications that some countries could re-introduce Covid restrictions, including vaccination proof or the use of masks indoors.
Make sure your vaccinations are up to date – you will need to have had the booster jab if your second jab was done more than 270 days before your date of departure in many European countries.
Have a mask or three packed in hand luggage to avoid problems.
