Ask the Traveller: volcanic-ash cloud
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I just heard someone on the radio say that, if I booked a package holiday, I would be looked after whatever happened with the volcanic-ash cloud from Iceland. From what I heard about last year's event, I'm not sure he's right. Is he?
The short answer is: "He's almost right." Or, more accurately: "In almost all circumstances, he's right." And here's the longer answer.
The majority of British air travellers affected by the ash cloud – not to mention snow, air-traffic control strikes, etc – have plenty of consumer protection. That's because either they are flying within the EU, or they are flying to Europe on an EU airline. In either case, the provisions of EU261 – the controversial rules on passengers' rights – apply. These regulations stipulate that airlines have an unlimited duty of care. Whatever the cause of a long delay or cancellation, they have to look after passengers with three meals a day, plus accommodation, until they can get them home. Therefore, whatever your particular holiday or business journey, your first call is with the airline.
For people who have booked a "proper" package holiday, ie a flight plus another element (usually a hotel, sometimes car rental) in a single purchase, the Package Travel Regulations also apply. These always used to be summed up as: "From the moment you turn up at the airport on departure, to the moment you get back to Britain, the tour operator has to look after you."
Yet in the turmoil of last year's ash disruption, a slightly different interpretation became apparent: the obligation of the tour operator ends when you are safely delivered to the airport for your flight home. And if you are booked on, say, Thai Airways from Bangkok or United from Chicago, then the airline has no legal duty of care to you. Therefore, you pick up the exposure to financial risk – ie having to pay for your own hotel.
Even so, the vast majority of UK tour operators still accept a duty to get you home. For more on your rights when it all goes wrong, see our handy guide at ind.pn/iPFlUm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments