Travel crisis needs resolving as bank holiday weekend rush awaits, Which? says
Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said:
"With millions of people set to travel this bank holiday weekend and a busy summer season ahead, the government and industry need to stop squabbling and work together on ways to tackle this crisis.
"It is totally unacceptable that some airlines are overselling flights and passengers are still finding out their journeys are cancelled on the day they are due to travel. If a flight is cancelled within 14 days of departure, passengers could be entitled to compensation and can ask to be rebooked using another carrier if necessary - but we know some airlines are not meeting this legal requirement.
"Ultimately, this chaos is a reminder of why passenger rights must be strengthened. The government should drop its misguided plans to cut compensation for delayed and cancelled UK flights and give the Civil Aviation Authority the powers it needs to hold airlines accountable - including by fining them directly when they flout the law."
ENDS
Notes to editors
Airlines are required to offer passengers the option of rebooking on any reasonable route as quickly as possible - even if that means using other carriers. Which? consumer rights guide - Which? is calling on the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority to work to ensure airlines are complying with their legal obligations and enforce the law.