A TOP travel company has launched a new guarantee for customers that allows them to get a refund the same day their flight is cancelled.
On The Beach has launched a new initiative for travellers this summer, where, if their flight is cancelled, they will get a refund on the same day.
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The holiday package provider is the first to offer ‘Cancelled Flight Cover’, and it is included on all On The Beach packages.
The perk will come into play if your flight is either cancelled or rescheduled by 12 hours or more, with On The Beach first trying to find you the “next best flight”.
If this is not possible or you don’t want the alternative flight, a refund will be processed on the very same day for your flight, hotel and any extras you booked.
It comes as airlines and travellers face uncertainty this summer, with possible cancellations across Europe due to fuel supply concerns.
Some airlines are already cutting flights but other providers usually take up to 14 days to refund customers.
Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said: “Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes.
“We’re proud to be the first package holiday provider to commit to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights, giving customers the confidence to book knowing we’ve got their back when it matters most.
“If the worst happens and a flight is cancelled, we’ll move quickly to either find a new route or return every penny of their holiday money that same day.
“This means they can get a new break booked, make alternative plans fast, and get back to looking forward to their summer instead of worrying about it.”
JET2 has issued an update to all travellers about increasing flight fares and holiday prices.
The UK’s biggest tour operator has confirmed that it will not be raising flights or holidays prices to cover increased costs caused by the fuel crisis.
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Jet2 have issued an update about increasing flight and holiday pricesCredit: Alamy
The announcement comes as the ongoing fuel crisis has resulted in a number of airlines increasing their flight prices, including Virgin Atlantic.
The update applies to all flights and holidays with the provider, booked through any channel – whether that be online, via the app or via an independent travel agent.
It means that when passengers book with Jet2, the price that is shown for their holiday or flight, will be the price they pay.
Holidaymakers will still need to pay tourist taxes, which is usually done once you are on holiday at the resort or directly to your accommodation provider.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.
“As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them.
“Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday.”
In a previous statement, a Jet2 spokesperson also told Sun Travel: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice.
“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.
“We understand that our customers work and save very hard for their holidays, and we are looking forward to making sure that they enjoy their award-winning Jet2holidays.”
The announcement comes as a number of other airlines have issued statements regarding upcoming flights and holidays.
TUI holidays confirmed that bookings have not been impacted or cancelled by the fuel crisis.
A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.
“At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”
It comes as other airlines such as TUI have also commented on fuel crisis concernsCredit: Alamy
Budget airline easyJet has also said that flights are currently not impacted by the fuel crisis.
A spokesperson for the airline told Sun Travel that there was “no disruption to flights” and “no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.
However, earlier this week, easyJet’s CEO for Spain and Portugal did comment that it was “difficult to see” what would happen in the next few weeks.
Here’s a full rundown of what all the UK airlines have said about fuel crisis concerns.
THE conflict in the Middle East has had a far-reaching impact on the package holiday market.
Bookings have stalled as holidaymakers delay plans due to the uncertainty and those who are heading away are opting for last-minute trips.
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I’ve been a travel expert for 30 years – so here are my tips on how to protect your holiday this year (as much as possible, that is)Credit: Dan Charity
There’s been an increase in demand for Western Mediterranean destinations like Spain and Portugal over the Eastern Med.
Ironically, that has led to some fantastic deals available on holidays to Cyprus, Turkey and Egypt – all of which are operating completely normally and where there are absolutely no safety concerns.
All of our main tour operators – including Jet2, TUI and easyJet Holidays – have not expressed any concern about trips in the short to medium term and are planning on running their summer schedules as normal.
But with airlines across the globe beginning to scale back flight schedules – removing unprofitable routes now jet fuel prices have soared – as well as others introducing surcharges there is a stark contrast between the two.
If you are looking to head away this summer and haven’t booked, now is probably the time to do it before prices start to rise.
Tour operators are desperate for us to get booking and you’ll see plenty of decent pricing and incentives.
Heading to Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt will be a good bet for those wanting to get a bargain – with demand for Western Mediterranean resorts high, prices could soon start to rise.
But what can you do to make sure your holiday is safe this year? While a lot of it is out of your hands, here are some ways to try and protect it as – much as possible.
Go for package holidays
Package holiday regulations do allow tour operators to add a surcharge to the cost of holidays already booked although it is extremely rare for this to happen.
Even then, the maximum they can charge is eight per cent of the holiday price.
Anything over that, and the operator has to offer you a full refund instead.
But what is clear is this is probably not the summer to do a DIY break.
Booking an ATOL-protected package holiday comes with lots of consumer protection you simply don’t get if you book each element independently.
Check your travel insurance
Most standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for disruption tied to acts of war but it is still essential to take out insurance as soon as you book any trip as it offers vital protection in the run up to your trip such as sudden illness or the death of a close relative.
And of course, it provides essential medical cover should you fall ill or are injured on your trip as well as lost or stolen luggage and possessions.
Travel insurer Staysure revealed recently that the cost of a medical ambulance back from Spain this summer averages £37,853 from the Canary Islands, £22,930 from the Balearics and £25,583 from mainland Spain.
And while travel insurance won’t cover you if your flight is cancelled, under UK/EU law your airline has a legal duty of care to you and must get you to your destination as quickly as possible.
In most scenarios, getting a refund on a cancelled flight would probably be the worst option as the airline then has no legal duty of care to you.
Read up on your rights should flights be cancelled and be prepared to fight for what you are due.
A credit card is a must in case of any last minute expensesCredit: Alamy
Opt for easy-to-get-home-from destinations
Many of us won’t want to give up the chance to soak up some Mediterranean sunshine this summer – and why should we?!
But making savvy choices on destinations could help protect your summer break.
If airlines do begin to trim schedules and cancel certain flights, it makes sense to choose airports where there are lots of daily flights.
Now is probably not the time to be booking a holiday to a destination that has just a single flight a week.
Booking holidays to our closest European neighbours – the likes of Spain, Portugal, France and Italy – also mean there are alternative ways to get home should flights be cancelled.
You can also look at other ways to holiday from the UK this summer without going near an airport.
There are lots of cruises that depart from UK ports including Southampton and London Tilbury that will sail you in style to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and beyond.
The boss of Brittany Ferries, Christophe Mathieu, has even said: “We make a clear promise to customers.
If you have booked with us, or are considering doing so, we will get you to a beautiful and safe holiday destination this year. Period.
“We will play no part in profiteering. The cost of our holidays rose by inflation earlier this year, and by inflation alone. There will be no further rises in the weeks or months ahead.
“Conflict or other global uncertainty should not be used as the basis for knee-jerk price hikes.”
Be prepared for unexpected expenses
Many travellers were caught short when airlines were forced to cancel flights to or through the Middle East at the start of the war.
For any trip, it always makes sense to have an emergency credit card for any unforeseen expenses that may occur. If possible, apply for one with an interest-free period.
Or look at a currency card like Currensea – this is a card that is linked to your bank account and takes out the payments via direct debit but avoids the high foreign exchange fees and doesn’t need to be pre-loaded like some other currency cards.
An alternative is to look at opening an account with a digital based bank account that you operate through an app on your phone like Revolut or Monzo.
Picking destinations like Spain where there are lots of flight options mean you have more choice if something goes wrongCredit: Getty
