What to do if your flight gets cancelled due to Storm Éowyn
Storm Éowyn has brought with itself chaos and disruption along with winds reaching the speeds of 100 mph as well as heavy rains.
More than a thousand flights to and from airports across the UK and Ireland, around a fifth of all scheduled services, have been cancelled, creating widespread travel disruption.
Glasgow and Edinburgh airports have also seen many flights grounded as the severe weather continues to wreak havoc, leaving many travellers stranded after spending money on now axed flights, hotels and packages. If your holiday has been affected by the weather chaos, you will likely qualify for compensation, but there are other steps that should be taken if your whole holiday is affected.
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Alvaro Iturmendi, Confused.com travel insurance expert said: “For Brits planning to get on a plane today, there could be a lot of stress and frustration as hundreds of flights are being cancelled. But it’s understandable that airlines are doing this due to extreme weather conditions, and putting passenger safety first.
"Travel disruptions can be frustrating and can leave travellers feeling confused about how to claim back for a trip that didn't go to plan.
"For flights itself, the good news is that all UK passengers have a legal right to claim back for cancelled flights from airlines, even when it’s due to weather conditions like this. Even if they were non-refundable. However, if the whole holiday has been affected, there may be some extra steps that need to be taken."
Among these tips, Mr Iturmendi highlighted the importance of getting travel insurance, explaining: “It’s always sensible to take out travel insurance before going away. Even if you are able to claim directly via the airline, an insurer can guide you on how to make a claim.
"With the right policy in place, you may also be able to claim back for other parts of your holiday that were affected as a result. If you've recently experienced flight cancellations, our guide on flight compensation will help to break down your options.”
My flight’s been cancelled, what are my rights?
According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), If your flight is cancelled and you’re departing from the UK, your airline must offer you the choice of a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund. This also applies if you are denied boarding, e.g., if your flight has been overbooked and there are not enough seats for the number of passengers.
If your return flight to the UK is cancelled and you’re travelling within the UK or with a UK airline then you’re also entitled to the choice of a replacement flight at the earliest opportunity or a refund.
If you’re flying from outside the UK, and with a non-UK airline e.g. from New York to Glasgow with American Airlines, then you’ll need to check the terms and conditions of your booking to see what you’re entitled to.
What to do if your holiday gets cancelled from Storm Éowyn
Check whether your holiday was ATOL protected
If you used one, speak with your travel agent who may be able to help
Try to contact the airline direct
Check your travel insurance policy and speak with your insurer
Public authorities have issued urgent warnings, advising people to travel only if absolutely necessary today. Meanwhile, approximately 4.5 million residents in Northern Ireland and Scotland received emergency alerts on their mobile phones on Thursday evening as preparations for severe weather intensified.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes warned: "It is so important that people follow Police Scotland's advice not to travel because if people stay at home and don't travel then it means they don't invite that risk to themselves."
Train stations and airports across Scotland remain eerily quiet as Scots heed travel warnings issued amid the 100mph winds of Storm Éowyn, which has brought "danger to life" alerts. With rare red weather warnings in place, transport services across the country have come to a standstill, causing widespread disruption.
ScotRail suspended all services on Friday, stating it "would not be safe to operate passenger services due to forecast weather conditions."
Ferry operators, including CalMac on Scotland’s west coast and Steam Packet Ferries between Heysham and the Isle of Man, cancelled all planned sailings for the day.
Bus companies such as First Bus, McGill’s, and Stagecoach also suspended operations in response to the hazardous conditions.
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