Hurricane Matthew forces airlines to cancel flights – what are your rights if your holiday is affected?
If your flight is cancelled and you're stranded it should provide you with assistance, including accomodation
THOUSANDS of holidaymakers have abandoned plans to travel to Florida and parts of the Caribbean due to a huge hurricane that is battering the coastline.
The state of Florida is now facing its biggest-ever evacuation with nearly two million people being warned to flee Hurricane Matthew.
The category four storm’s 120mph winds are beating down on the state after causing havoc in Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
We’ve heard from holidaymakers who’ve had their flights and holidays cancelled as well as hundreds of Thomas Cook customers who were left stranded in their hotel in Cuba.
It has also forced theme parks, such as Legoland and Seaworld Florida to shut their doors.
But what are your rights if your holiday if affected by the storm? We answer your questions:
What happens if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Unfortunately you can’t usually claim compensation for a flight delay or cancellation which occurs as a result of bad weather – although under EU rules if your flight’s cancelled, you will at least get a refund or be offered an alternative flight.
However, the EU rules might not apply to you. Steve Nowottny, news and features editor at MoneySavingExpert.com, said: “All flights from the UK to US are covered by EU rules, regardless of what airline you travel on.
“However on flights from the US to UK, you’re only covered by the EU rules if you’re on an EU airline. If you’re travelling back to the UK on a non-EU airline, you won’t be covered by the EU rules but it’s still worth checking if any other compensation applies.”
I’m stuck in an area affected by Hurricane Matthew or have been evacuated - what do I do?
If you’re stuck in airport then the airline should provide you with assistance such as food and necessary accommodation.
However, they are unlikely to cover any extra expenses arising from delayed or cancelled flight.
It's also unlikely that you'll get any money back from your accomodation, if you booked your flights separately.
However, if you booked an Atol-backed package holiday (the government scheme covering holidays and flights) then you might get your money back.
What about other costs, such as theme park tickets and car hire?
If you've got Atol protection and you paid for these activities as part of your holiday then you might get a refund.
However, if you paid for these elements yourself then you probably won’t be able to get your money back.
Will my travel insurance cover me?
It depends on the policy that you have taken out. Many insurers will not cover you for “natural disasters” so you’ll need to check the terms and conditions.
Steve said: “It’s always worth checking if your travel insurance will cover you, so if you’re affected, speak to your provider. But unfortunately again for many this may not be much help.
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"Insurers will often class a hurricane as a “natural disaster”, which means in many cases you won’t be covered under a standard policy.”
“If you booked a package with a tour operator or travel agent contact them as soon as possible – they should be making alternative arrangements and can keep you informed.”
Can I cancel my holiday if I’m due to travel to an area affected by Hurricane Matthew?
It depends. As long as your travel operator can provide you with safe, secure and enjoyable holiday then they do not have to refund you or find you an alternative holiday.
If the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) say that it’s unsafe to travel, then most tour operators will cancel your trip or offer you an alternative.
If you booked your flights and accommodation separately and there is a natural disaster – like a hurricane – then you will need to contact them separately and there is no guarantee of a refund.
