Which? responds as easyJet cancels 1,700 summer flights
Rocio Concha, Which? Director of Policy and Advocacy, said:
"These cancellations will be incredibly disappointing for thousands of travellers whose summer holiday plans could be in jeopardy. easyJet must ensure it is doing everything it can to assist passengers impacted by this decision and ensure they can easily access help to be rerouted or refunded at the earliest available opportunity."
While the air traffic control strikes continue, the possibility of further cancellations and disruption this summer remains high. A repeat of last year's failings by some airlines and airports cannot be allowed to happen again, so the aviation regulator must monitor this situation closely and be ready to take action in the event airlines fail in their legal responsibilities to passengers."
The DfT recently signalled its support for fining powers for the CAA, and the prospect of further chaos this summer only underlines that these powers cannot come soon enough. The Prime Minister must show he is on the side of consumers before it is too late - and must prioritise legislation for new enforcement powers in the King's Speech later this year."
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
- Strikes by Air Traffic Control are considered an 'extraordinary circumstance', meaning passengers are unlikely to be entitled to compensation. You can find more information on flight compensation rights during extraordinary circumstances here, and find Which?'s free compensation claim tool here.
- Travellers should ensure they have travel insurance from the time of booking, and should check their policy carefully to ensure it covers for the eventualities they would expect. Find Which? advice on what to look for in a travel insurance policy here: https://www.which.co.uk/money/insurance/travel-insurance/travel-insurance-explained-aOPaK3x32Vuw
- The DfT recently responded to its aviation consumer policy reform consultation, and set out its support to give fining powers for the CAA, something Which? has led the campaign for. Find the DfT's response here, and more information on Which?'s campaign below.
Which? campaign to Transform Travel
- Which? is currently campaigning to Transform Travel, and at the time of writing, over 43,000 people have signed the consumer champion’s petition to the Secretary of State for Transport demanding urgent action. Please find a link to view it here.
More than 1,100 Which? Travel campaign supporters have also submitted evidence of their mistreatment by airlines to the independent review of the CAA.
The consumer champion is calling for:
Enforcement – The CAA should be doing more by holding airlines to account proactively. It also needs direct powers to monitor and fine airlines when they flout the rules.
Resolution – We need a dispute resolution system that is mandatory for all airlines flying to and from the UK so travellers don’t have to go to the small claims court to enforce their rights.
Compensation – We need to protect passengers’ rights to redress when airlines are at fault for delays and cancellations. Proposals to slash pay-outs for domestic flights, which would replace current protections under EU law EC261, must be dropped.