Storm Ciara has thrown Brits' travel plans into chaos as strong winds of up to 100mph have caused airlines to delay or cancel hundreds of flights.
It's already a stressful situation when you can't go on the trip you had planned – but what about getting your money back?
The good news is that you won't be left out of pocket if your flight is cancelled because of the stormy weather.
If your flight was operated by an airline under the EU, then you are automatically entitled to one of the following options;
- A full refund for the cancelled flight
- An alternative flight to your destination (including at a later date)
However, the rules are a little different if your flight has been delayed.
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If your flight is delayed by more than two hours, then the airline must provide you with assistance. This includes:
- A reasonable amount of food and drink (they usually offer this in vouchers)
- A way for you to communicate such as a phone call
- Accommodation if you're delayed overnight
- Transport to/from accommodation whether this is a hotel or your home.
If the airline asks that you pay and they will cover the costs, make sure you keep receipts for anything you spend – but try to stick within reason or they could refuse to pay (for example if you're splashing out on champagne and a 5* luxury hotel).
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Unfortunately, you're unlikely to be entitled to compensation for delays due to Storm Ciara.
That's because the airline will likely be able to claim 'extraordinary circumstances', aka that the delays were out of the airline's control.
If your flight is cancelled and this means you can't use a hotel or car hire booking, you'll need to get in touch with your travel insurance provider who can advise you on what information you'll need if you are covered under your policy.
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What if I missed a flight because of a delayed train?
Storm Ciara has caused plenty of trains to be severely delayed or cancelled, but if this meant you missed your flight, the airline won't be able to help.
However, it's worth checking your travel insurance in case your policy covers you for this situation. It's worth noting that you will need to prove you allowed reasonable time for your journey to get to the flight, so keep any tickets or receipts that show when you set off from home.
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If you are due to travel
Check your flight status directly with the airline before you set off for the airport.
If your flight is still scheduled to go ahead, make sure to leave plenty of extra time for the journey (including allowing time for any potential train delays), as if you do end up missing the flight due to disruptions you'll need to prove to the travel insurance provider that you left enough time for the journey.
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