UK holidaymakers who’ve had flights to Spain cancelled amid heavy flooding have been told they won’t be in line for compensation. More than 100 flights have been cancelled due to the extreme weather.
A red warning has been issued over Barcelona as catastrophic rainfall and floods wreak havoc on the city. Significant disruption has been caused at Barcelona El Prat airport.
People have been urged not to travel unless necessary amid the red alert for ‘extreme danger’ in place across Barcelona. Tourists and travellers affected by flight cancellations have been told what they’ll be entitled to from airline and travel companies.
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A spokesperson for Claims.co.uk said: “Whilst booking a package holiday can slash the cost of going away, if your flight is cancelled you can risk having your whole holiday cancelled or rearranged. If you have booked a package holiday and your flights are cancelled, you have the rights to either claim a full refund, a reroute of the trip destination and potentially compensation from the airline.
“However, in these specific circumstances, delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control restrictions are considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ and therefore do not qualify for compensation. In cases of flight delays and flight cancellations due to an ‘extraordinary circumstance,’ the airline must provide you with additional services, depending on the length of your delay and waiting time.
“These additional services include free meals and refreshments, which you are entitled to when your flight is delayed by at least two hours. Passengers should also receive a free overnight accommodation and a transfer to and from the airport if the flight is shifted to the next day.
“If a travel operator needs to cancel a package holiday for any reason, they are required to notify you as soon as possible and without undue delay. This is to ensure that you have enough time to help you make alternative arrangements or seek refunds.
“However, in many people’s case due to the disruption, if you are at the airport when the flight is cancelled, it is advised that you contact your travel company straight away to talk through your options. If the delay lasts more than five hours, but is not actually cancelled, you should also be able to choose not to travel and get a full refund on your ticket.
“If your flight cannot be rearranged, meaning your whole holiday must be cancelled, then the travel company must offer an alternative holiday if possible, or a refund of the full package price, not just the flight part.”
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