What to do if your flight is cancelled due to snow

Tensions are already high this time of year so finding out your flight has been cancelled due to the snow is really the last thing you need.

The main thing to remember is that when flights are cancelled, this is for safety reasons. Whilst it’s a huge inconvenience, it’s not something that airports will do if they can help it, as it can cost them millions.

The good news is you are entitled to a refund or replacement flight if you’re flying within the EU (or with an airline that is based in the EU) as long as you have checked-in to the flight. You’re also entitled to your costs up to a certain value for food and overnight stays, plus two phone calls, emails or faxes.

The first thing to do is call the airline or visit their help desk in the airport. Be prepared to hold or queue as you won’t be the only passenger needing advice. You need to ask how much you are entitled to claim for your hotel stays and meals, as this may differ with different airlines. You may feel like you deserve a penthouse room at a five-star hotel for all the stress you’re going through but the airline is unlikely to agree with you if it will cost extra. Sometimes airlines have partnerships with local hotels and can help you book.

If you’re going to miss connections or would like a refund for return flights, the airline is also obliged to help you rearrange or reimburse you for these. They will not, however, pay any other costs such as holiday accommodation (that you are unable to use), car hire or pet sitting. Your travel insurance may pay for some or all of these but you need to check the terms and conditions carefully.

Make sure you go to www.looking4parking.com or give us a call on 0800 098 8817 to extend or cancel your airport parking booking. Depending on what parking option you have chosen you may be able to get money back or otherwise claim your costs back from your travel insurer, but once again it is a case of knowing what you are covered for.

Precautions

If you’ve booked flights for this winter, make sure you are prepared for the possibility of cancellations and delays.

Firstly, leave plenty of time between connections in case one of your flights is slightly delayed. It’s always tempting to squeeze flights together to minimise time spent hanging around, but over the winter leaving a few hours between connections could be the difference between arriving at your destination on time and spending Christmas at the airport.

Check travel insurance covers cancellations before you book. Often policies will cover you if you’re unable to go, but will not cover you if you are cancelled on by other parties. Also some insurers have clauses that state they will not pay out for journeys cancelled because of “extreme weather conditions”, which snow often falls under. Make sure you know what you are and are not covered for and read the terms and conditions in full.

Check the airline’s procedures in advance so that you know where to go and what to do should your flight be cancelled. Know your rights as a passenger and be armed with all your flight information to ensure that staff will be able to help you quickly and efficiently if you encounter problems.

NB This information is meant only as a guide and should not be taken as legal advice. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate, if you have any concerns you should speak to a legal expert.