British travellers have been warned of potential flight cancellations due to a strike by air traffic control workers in France starting Monday, November 20.
Major airlines including Ryanair told customers their flights might be cancelled, leaving many concerned about their holiday plans.
A representative from Claims.co.uk explained that while opting for a package holiday can significantly reduce the cost of your trip, a cancelled flight poses the risk of your entire holiday being either cancelled or rescheduled.
If your flights are cancelled within the context of a package holiday, you have the right to claim a full refund, request a reroute to an alternative destination, and potentially seek compensation from the airline.
However, they added that in situations like these, where delays and cancellations result from air traffic control restrictions, they are deemed “extraordinary circumstances” and do not qualify for compensation.
In cases of delays or cancellations due to such circumstances, the airline must provide additional services, depending on the length of the delay.
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These services include free meals and refreshments for delays of at least 2 hours, as well as free overnight accommodation and airport transfers if the flight is postponed to the next day.
If a travel operator needs to cancel a package holiday for any reason, they must inform you promptly, giving you adequate time to change your plans or request refunds.
The representative added: “However, in many people’s cases due to the disruption, if you are at the airport when the flight is cancelled, it is advised that you contact your travel company straight away to talk through your options. If the delay lasts more than five hours, but is not actually cancelled, you should also be able to choose not to travel and get a full refund on your ticket.
“If your flight cannot be rearranged, meaning your whole holiday must be cancelled, then the travel company must offer an alternative holiday if possible, or a refund of the full package price, not just the flight part.”
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If the travel operator is offering a full refund, this option may be financially more appealing, especially if you are uncertain about your future travel plans.
When faced with cancellations, travellers can consider whether the alternative dates provided by the travel operator align with their schedule and are a suitable replacement for their original travel plans.
You can also check if the travel operator is waiving any change fees for rescheduling. Some operators may impose fees for altering travel dates, and understanding these costs is essential in influencing your decision.
It is also important to review your travel insurance policy to determine if it covers cancellations or changes due to unforeseen circumstances.
Understanding the extent of your coverage can significantly influence your decision to either reschedule or opt for a refund. If your insurance provides comprehensive coverage, it may offer more flexibility in making a decision.
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