Press statement

Which? comments as snow causes widespread travel disruption

1 min read
Lisa Webb, Which? Consumer Law Expert, said: "Flight and rail cancellations due to snow can be extremely frustrating, but travel companies still have a duty of care to passengers so should provide clear information about their rights to assistance or a refund. "If flights are cancelled, airlines must offer refunds or rebooking on another flight at the earliest available opportunity, even if that means booking a seat with a rival carrier. Unfortunately travellers are unlikely to be owed additional compensation, as extreme weather is considered an extraordinary circumstance, outside of the airline's control.
 
"Some rail companies are also advising against travel today. If a train is cancelled, passengers can apply for a full refund of their ticket. A refund also applies for anyone who has started a journey but can't complete it due to delays or cancellations. Some companies are offering the opportunity to use advance tickets on alternative days, while travellers may also be able to make a compensation claim for any rail delays of over 15 minutes via the national Delay Repay scheme."
 
ENDS

Notes to editors
  • Under the Denied Boarding Regulation, the rules on compensation apply if your airline is based in the UK or EU, or you're flying from a UK or EU airport.
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