Airlines Responsible For Updating Travellers Amid Greece Wildfires

NI travellers impacted by the wildfires in Greece have been urged to keep in contact with their airline, as they are responsible for keeping passengers up-to-date on changes to travel arrangements.

Providing essential advice to NI travellers, Consumer Council's Head of Transport, Richard Williams, said: "Airlines have announced different plans for the coming days. Some airlines are cancelling flights, and some flights are going ahead. You should check regularly with your airline on what their plans are.

"If you have booked a holiday and something goes wrong, your consumer rights depend on how you booked your holiday.

"If you booked flights separately and your flight is cancelled, the airline must provide you with the option of a full cash refund payable within seven days or an alternative flight. These are your rights under EU Regulation 261 and apply even if you are stranded in another country. You are not automatically entitled to a refund from your airline if you choose not to travel but the flight has not been cancelled by the airline. You can find out detailed information about what you are entitled to if your flight is cancelled here.

"If you have booked a package holiday, your rights are protected under the Package Travel Regulations. Under these regulations, if any element of your package holiday is cancelled or significantly changed, then you have the right to request a full refund of any payments made towards your holiday.

"However, if your package holiday is not cancelled but you decide that you don’t want to go, it’s unlikely that you’ll be entitled to a refund unless the holiday has significantly changed (examples of significant changes include a different location, different hotel, or different facilities).

"If you're worried about travelling, you should talk to your travel company and ask if you can postpone or book an alternative holiday. Check with your travel operator to see what they are doing and what they can offer you."

Travel Insurance

"Check the terms and conditions of your travel insurance to see what you are covered for. Normally a travel insurance policy will not cover you if you wish to cancel your flight or holiday unless the UK Government has issued advice against traveling to a particular country. So far the UK government has not done this regarding the wildfires in Greece."

If your flight has been cancelled and you are having trouble getting a refund, contact us on 0800 121 6022 or email us: contact@consumercouncil.org.uk