Passengers have been assured they are entitled to certain protections if flights are cancelled due to a global health emergency, such as the recent hantavirus concerns. Travel expert Hannah Mayfield from PayingTooMuch has clarified the rules under UK261, urging travellers not to panic but to understand their rights.
What Passengers Are Entitled To
Under UK261, if an airline cancels a flight due to extraordinary circumstances like a global health emergency, passengers are still entitled to either a full refund or an alternative flight. However, additional compensation may not apply. Mayfield highlighted confusion during the Covid pandemic, where many mistakenly believed no compensation meant no rights at all.
Key Distinctions
Mayfield stressed that the airline remains responsible for rebooking or refunding, even in extraordinary situations. Travel insurance, on the other hand, covers personal financial risks such as illness, medical emergencies, and lost baggage. It is crucial to check your policy for exclusions related to pandemics or government advisories before travelling.
Additional Protections
Paying by credit card offers extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, while debit card users have less robust safeguards. The expert advised: "Knowing your rights in advance makes it much easier to act quickly and avoid unnecessary stress or expense if faced with disruptions."
As summer approaches, travellers are encouraged to review their travel insurance and payment methods to ensure they are fully protected against potential cancellations due to health emergencies or other disruptions.
