Volcanic Ash causing travel chaos
Due to the continued travel chaos caused by the volcanic ash cloud, Rochelle Turner, Head of Research for Which? Holiday, says: "This is yet more bad news for air passengers in a year that has already seen much disruption to flights.
"Affected passengers are being offered a choice of a full refund or transfer on to another flight. But, the airlines don't have to compensate passengers for loss of any additional elements to holidays, such as accommodation and car hire. It may be possible to claim for these additional elements on your travel insurance, but passengers will need to check their individual policies."
If your flight is cancelled and you are unsure of your rights, call Which? Legal Service for expert affordable advice on 01992 822 828.
Under European Union's regulation (EC) NO 261/2004, if your flight is cancelled you have the choice:
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To cancel your booking and receive a refund of your unused ticket, and for the part of the journey already made if the delay means your flight no longer serves any purpose in relation to your original travel plans. Where relevant if you have already completed one or more segments of your flight you should be offered a return flight to your first point of departure at the earliest opportunity.
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To take an alternative flight, under comparable transport conditions, to your final destination, where seats are available, at the earliest opportunity
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To take an alternative flight to your destination, under comparable transport conditions and where seats are available, at a later date.
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Where the flight is part of a "package holiday" the cancellation could amount to a "significant alteration" to the package. Whether it does depends on how much later the alternative flight you are offered leaves. If the alteration is significant and you are not happy to go ahead with the holiday, you would be entitled to a refund of the full cost of the package and not just the flights.