Flight Cancelled by the Snow? Know Your Rights
With heavy snow continuing to affect many parts of the UK, a number of flights have been cancelled, alongside many train and bus services.
The weather has prompted several airlines to cancel flights for safety reasons, leaving people stranded at airports, or still at home awaiting news of a cancelled service.
Heathrow Airport said in a statement on Twitter: "Airlines are responsible for ensuring their flights are fully de-iced before they are operated, and this is resulting in some delays and cancellations."
This situation has been reflected in other UK airports.
Refund or alternative flight
As an EU citizen you have certain rights if your flight is cancelled, no matter what the reason or how long before scheduled take off you are informed.
You are entitled to either:
- A refund for the cancelled flight
- Or a ticket on another service to your original destination
You may choose to fly a different route to your destination, if it is offered by your airline (at no additional charge). This option and any situation where a flight is delayed by more than two hours, means your airline must assist you where appropriate with food, phone calls and in certain situations accommodation. Once again, the cause of cancellation does not matter.
What about compensation?
Snow is obviously not under the control of the airline, so you won't be compensated beyond the assistance mentioned above.
My train/bus to the airport was delayed and I missed my flight…what then?
It's no surprise that your airline is not responsible for any lateness of buses or trains to the airport, caused by snow or any other reasons. But your travel insurer may well cover you for this. However, different insurers have different terms and conditions – check your terms and conditions carefully.
It's almost certain that you will need to prove you planned a reasonable amount of time to reach the airport in order to board your plane.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), "Some travel insurance policies may offer some cover for missed flights due to your journey to the airport being disrupted in certain circumstances, so check your travel policy."
What if I can't pick up a booked hire car or check in to my hotel?
If your missed flight means you can't pick up a booked hire car or check into a hotel room, talk to the provider about a refund.
If you cannot get a refund, contact your travel insurance provider to see if you're covered for any financial loss.
Once again, not all travel insurance policies are the same, so check your terms and conditions.
Learn more about starttravel.co.uk Travel Insurance.
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