FLIGHT FAIL

What are my rights to compensation or a refund if Heathrow Airport is shut down by activists?

ACTIVISTS have vowed to shut down Heathrow Airport with drones for TEN DAYS this summer - and it could could leave you stranded without any compensation.

This is because flight delay regulations that customers usually rely on only applies to delays and cancellations caused by something within the airline’s control.

Advertisement
You may struggle to get compensation if a protest disrupts your travel plansCredit: Alamy

Yesterday, activists from Extinction Rebellion said it plans to stage protests for up to 10 days in a bid to stop a third runway being built at Heathrow Airport.

The climate-change activists also plotted to shut down the airport at the start of the Easter holidays, but their protest then failed to disrupt a single flight.

Can you get compensation if your holiday is cancelled or delayed?

If they're successful this summer and you find yourself stranded or delayed, customers still "most likely" won't be eligible for compensation for the trouble, Spencer Roberts of Resolver told The Sun.

Under EU rules airlines must pay back £520 per person if a flight is delayed. The amount you get depends on the length of the delay and how far you are travelling.

Advertisement
, told The Sun: "In situations like this it’s best to hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

"It can be frustrating when something outside of your control directly affects your travel plans, but you shouldn't be left out of pocket.

"If your flight has been cancelled, ask for a refund. You should get your money back within seven days or given an alternative flight.

Advertisement

"This should also apply to connecting flights you miss as a result, as long as they were booked together.

Most read in money

TAXING TIMES
How to get your council tax reduced or even FREE and save £1,000s a year
SAY WATT
Energy giant to give thousands of customers bill discount tomorrow
GOING UP
Map reveals where UK house prices have risen most & least in 2024… check your area
SWEET DEAL
Supermarket giant slashes price of Roses tin by 50% and it’s the cheapest around

"As a gesture of good will some airlines have been known to give out compensation for the inconvenience caused when a flight is delayed by more than three hours," she added.

"However you may not be automatically entitled to this when the delay is caused by a protest because the airline will argue it’s not technically their fault.

"It’s always worth a shot and ask though."

Advertisement
Topics
Advertisement
machibet777.com