Flight cancellations: The Consumer Council's statement

Richard Williams, Head of Transport at the Consumer Council, advises: “If your flight is delayed, cancelled or you are denied boarding, you are entitled to assistance, including food, drink, and overnight accommodation if needed. Passengers should keep receipts for any expenses and keep any evidence of any contact made by your airline.

“If your flight is cancelled, the airline must also offer you the option of a refund within seven days or alternative transport to your final destination. If the airline cannot fly you to your intended airport, it is allowed to fly you to another airport within the same region. The airline must then transfer you to either your intended airport or a close by location agreed with you.

“You may also be entitled to compensation depending on the distance of flight and impact of arrival to your final destination. You may not be entitled to compensation if the cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances. To claim compensation, contact the airline in the first instance.

“If you remain dissatisfied with the airline’s response, you can get in touch with the Consumer Council by calling 0800 121 6022 or by emailing contact@consumercouncil.org.uk and we will take up the complaint on your behalf.”

You can find out more about their passenger rights by visiting our Air Passenger Rights web page for information: https://bit.ly/ccniair