The travel industry is feeling the effects of the ongoing jet fuel crisis – with some airlines and holiday companies being forced to close due to financial strain.
In April, Lufthansa announced it would scrap 20,000 flights over the next six months, leaving travellers to find alternative routes.
Similarly, United Airlines reduced its capacity by 5% – targeting flights that were deemed ‘temporarily unprofitable.’
With so much uncertainty, it’s understandable that many are concerned about their plans for summer.
But we’ve got some good news, for once. One of the UK’s most popular package holiday company’s is rolling out a new policy.
On the Beach has committed to same-day refund processing for all cancelled flights, giving customers their money back immediately, or the guarantee of sourcing an alternative flight if disruption strikes.
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This ‘cancelled flight cover’ will automatically be applied to all new bookings.
Addressing the policy (you can read the fine print here), Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said: ‘Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes.
‘If the worst happens and a flight is cancelled, we’ll move quickly to either find a new route or return every penny of their holiday money that same day, so they can get a new break booked, make alternative plans fast, and get back to looking forward to their summer instead of worrying about it.’
The cover will come into play if a flight is either cancelled or rescheduled by 12 hours or more.
In that scenario, the company will try and find the next best flight.
If this option isn’t possible, or you’ve decided that you’re quite happy to scrap the trip, your refund will be processed that same day.
On the Beach warns that the speed of each refund will be dependent on the customer’s bank.
However, it’s still an attractive offer, given most providers typically take up to 14 days to process a refund, leaving holidaymakers out of pocket.
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While a few airlines, such as Ryanair and EasyJet, have implied that their jet fuel supplies will last throughout May, it’s important that travellers fully understand their rights in the event that their flight is cancelled.
Under UK rules, passengers are entitled to either a full refund or an alternative flight to their destination.
If you’re concerned about an upcoming journey, check our list for all the most recent information regarding cancelled flights and extra charges.
Or, get in touch with our Travel Editor Alice Murphy. She’ll do her best to answer your questions.
If you do have a trip coming up – don’t cancel it yet
Consumer watchdog Which? has urged travellers with upcoming bookings to hold off on cancelling, amid growing concern over the jet fuel crisis and airspace closures in the Middle East.
‘If you’re booking a trip soon, or already have a holiday in the diary, you may be feeling worried,’ says Which? expert and travel journalist Kate Pasola.
However, she warns that cancelling anything you’ve already paid for would be a major ‘mistake’, as you may give up your right to claim a refund, compensation or support that could otherwise be available under EC261 rules.
‘Instead, hold your nerve and wait for the airline to cancel your flight for you, before requesting a refund,’ she advises.
It might be tempting, but with still so much in the air (no pun intended), try not to make any rash decisions.
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