What are my options if my flight is canceled?

 

Hundreds of flights have been canceled over the half-term vacation by airlines such as Tui and EasyJet, as the travel industry struggles to find and train new personnel as demand picks up following the pandemic.

Staff shortages, air traffic control constraints, runway work, and airport handling delays are among the issues cited by businesses.

So, if your flight is canceled, what are your options?

Is it possible for me to seek redress?

You have a number of rights under UK law if you fly from a UK airport on any airline, arrive at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline, or fly from a UK airport to an EU airport on a UK airline.

What you're entitled to depends on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation and the amount of notice you received.

You will not be eligible for compensation if the disruption was not caused by the airline and was caused by "exceptional circumstances" that could not have been prevented even if all reasonable precautions had been taken.

Extreme weather and air traffic control strikes are examples of this.

If your flight is canceled with less than two weeks' notice, you may be eligible for compensation based on the schedule of the replacement trip.

The amount you're entitled to is also determined on the distance you traveled. Consider the following scenario:

- You can claim up to £220 per person for flights under 1,500km, such as Glasgow to Amsterdam.

- You can claim up to £520 per person for flights of more than 3,500 kilometers, such as London to New York.

Is it possible to get a refund? 

If your flight is covered by UK legislation, your airline must provide you the option of receiving a refund or taking a another journey.

You can receive a refund for any portion of the ticket that you haven't utilized. As a result, if you booked a return flight and the outward leg is canceled, you will be repaid the full cost of the return ticket.

If you still wish to travel, your airline will have to locate another flight for you. If another airline is flying to your destination much sooner, or if other suitable modes of transportation are available, you have the right to be booked on that other form of transportation instead.

What about accommodation and food?

Airlines must give you with alternative help if your flight is canceled until you are able to go to your destination.

This includes the following:

- a sufficient supply of food and beverages (often in the form of vouchers)

- a means of communication for you (often by refunding the cost of calls)

- If you need to stay overnight to fly the next day, you will be given free lodging.

- Transportation to and from the lodging

If your airline is unable to assist you, you have the option of arranging it yourself and claiming reimbursement afterwards.

The Civil Aviation Authority recommends consumers to preserve receipts and not spend more than they need to in this scenario.

What happens if my flight is canceled or rescheduled?

If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, you are entitled to the same help.

If your flight arrives more than three hours late, you may be eligible for compensation. The amount is determined on the distance traveled.

You can get a full refund if you are delayed for more than five hours and decide not to travel.

What if I booked a vacation package?

If your flight is cancelled after you bought a package holiday with an Abta member, you are entitled to a suitable replacement flight or a full refund.