With travel chaos looming ahead of Easter a consumer expert and former stewardess has told travellers to double check their travel insurance and make preparations for delays and cancellations.
Jane Hawkes, who runs the consumer advice website www.ladyjaney.co.uk, says passengers need to know their rights if they are delayed, but warns that compensation from airlines is unlikely.
Almost 6,000 baggage handlers, ground vehicle operators and marshals who operate in Spanish airports are taking part in industrial action which is set to cause delays and cancellations.
In addition, the rollout of the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES) is expected to see queues of several hours at new e-gates.
“Your travel protections are relevant whether any delays you experienced are caused by a strike or not,” says Jane.
“If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed, you are entitled to a refund or a reroute at the earliest opportunity, on another carrier if necessary.
“But because the disruption in Spanish airports is likely to be caused by the strikes of airport staff, airlines will typically argue this as ‘extraordinary circumstances’ which are out of this control.
“This means that you are still have the same refund and assistance rights but you are unlikely to receive compensation.”
Under law, compensation of up to £520 per passenger may be due, depending on the length of the delay and the flight, but only if the airline is responsible for the disruption and the delay meets the required time thresholds.
“In a nutshell if it’s an airline strike, compensation is likely but if it’s an airport or air traffic control strike then compensation is unlikely,” Jane warns.
The Easter holidays are some of the busiest time for European airports, with Spain a particular favourite as families flock to its beaches over the school holidays.
An estimated 1.34 million passengers are expected to be affected by the strikes and EES. But with the chaos not directly caused by the airlines or holiday companies themselves, Jane says the main risk is from ‘indirect’ disruption.
“Your flight might technically be on time, but baggage delays or other issues cause missed connections. In this instance, the airline is under no obligation to pay compensation because those delays are out of their hands.
“However, airlines must also provide as applicable, meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation and transport. This applies regardless of what caused the disruption.”
Benefits of package holidays during strikes
If you have purchased a package holiday you may find navigating the disruption easier. But for those who have purchased the different elements of their holiday separately, this might be trickier to sort.
“Package holidays offer vital protection during airline or airport strikes because one organiser is legally responsible for the entire trip, meaning you don’t have to juggle airlines, hotels and transfers yourself,” she says.
“If disruption hits, they should offer an alternative or a full refund and cover knock-on issues like missed accommodation or extra costs.
“You may also be entitled to compensation if your holiday is significantly affected. In short, while strikes can still disrupt your plans, a package holiday ensures someone else is accountable for putting things right, protecting both your money and your time.
“But if you’ve bought these elements separately and you miss a hotel transfer or car hire booking, you may have to absorb the cost yourself unless your travel insurance can cover it.
“This is why it is so important to get a comprehensive insurance package and check the details in advance.”
What can I do if I am affected by the strikes?
If you are affected by strikes, it’s important to stay at the airport and speak to the airline before leaving, says Jane.
“As long as the queue may be, if you make your own arrangements without agreement, you risk not being reimbursed.
“You must also keep every receipt. If you have to pay for food, hotels or transport, you’ll need proof to claim it back. Be reasonable with what you purchase as airlines or insurance won’t pay out on a luxury splurge, however much you may feel you are owed it.
“You should also ask for written confirmation of the cause of disruption. This can be crucial if you later challenge a denied compensation claim.
“If you purchased your holiday or your flights after strikes were known about, your insurance may not cover you. Not all insurance packages cover them as standard, so again it’s about reading your policy properly.
“What may feel like a saving when you purchased it could end up costing you in the long run if you are delayed.”
