If your flight today has been grounded by the Grimsvotn ash cloud (read our story on Flights cancelled by volcanic ash here is Cheapflights.co.uk’s expert travel advice.
Stay in close contact with your airline or tour operator either by phone or online. And make a note of their advice. If your airline advises you not to travel to the airport, don’t travel to the airport.
Keep up with the news Cheapflights’ News and Views travel blog will be publishing updates throughout the day. If you are due to travel over the next couple of days or in the run up to the Bank Holiday weekend, visit the Met Office’s website for updates. The BBC published this map earlier today, which shows the likely progress of the ash cloud.
An air passenger’s best friend when things go wrong is Regulation (EC) 261/2004, which covers flights within (roughly) Europe. This regulation requires airlines to compensate passengers up to €600 (about £520) if their flight is cancelled or delayed. There’s a get-out clause here. If the cancellation or delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken”.
Obviously, a volcanic eruption is not something that airlines can factor into their plans. Even so, carriers have a duty of care towards their passengers. This means that accommodation (if necessary) and transport between the airport and the hotel, meals and refreshments should be provided.
If your airline does not do this and you have to get your own hotel room and cough up for your own cups of tea and snacks at the airport, Cheapflights.co.uk’s advice is to keep an eye on your spending and keep all receipts so that you can claim back from the airline.
Check the fine print of your insurance policy as you may have to turn to your insurer for compensation if your carrier refuses. Following the Eyjafjallajökull ash cloud in 2010, some insurers introduced specific policies that cover a volcanic eruption. If you have cover for natural disasters or there is a clause related to the weather you may be covered.
I just don’t feel like travelling now – With a bank holiday and half-term school holidays coming up, it’s understandable that some travellers will decide that it’s not worth the risk. However, disinclination to travel is not a valid excuse as far as airlines and holiday companies are concerned; you will most likely not receive a refund on your ticket/holiday.
(Image: Samuel P)
