A TRAVEL warning has been issued in Spain due to Storm Alice floods – read below to see if you can cancel your holiday.
The mega storm has wreaked havoc on the popular holiday destination, with flash floods and heavy rain sweeping the coast.
Flash floods are sweeping the Spanish coast[/caption]
And now British holidaymakers have been hit with a rare alert from officials, warning them of “extraordinary danger”.
Up to seven flights hoping to touch down in Alicante-Elche airport have been diverted.
Plus, a further 12 flights in the airport have been cancelled.
In Valencia and Murcia’s airports, several flights have also been delayed.
A warning from the government website read: “Severe weather warnings are in place today in Murcia and Valencia, including the province of Alicante.
“Disruptions to travel are likely. If you are in the affected areas, follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates.
“If you are planning to travel, check for messaging from your travel provider or airline.”
If you’re traveling to Spain or near areas affected by extreme weather, follow the these three rules:
What does this mean for your holiday?
If you’re due to travel to Spain you should contact your package holiday firm or flight operator.
They should be able to inform you of any changes to your flight status or if it has been cancelled.
If this is the case, and your flight is no longer running, then you are entitled to a refund.
If you booked your holiday as part of a package deal, then you should be entitled to get your money back.
However, if you booked flights and accommodation separately, it is not guaranteed you will get your money back on your hotel.
Check in with your accommodation provider and inform them of the situation.
If you have travel insurance, it is up to the individual insurer to decide whether or not to refund you.
Policies vary from firm to firm so it is worth checking the small print.
Martyn’s top tips
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If you’re traveling to Spain or near areas affected by extreme weather, follow the these three rules:
Check the Foreign Office website for the latest guidance: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain
Contact your airline to find out if your flight is cancelled or delayed. If you still wish to travel – and it’s safe to do so – they must get you on the next feasible flight, even if it’s with a competitor. Think hard about if you want to do this though.
Speak to your travel insurer to see if you are covered for cancelled holidays due to floods or extreme weather conditions.
If you’re already in Spain, speak to the airline to find out about getting home. Your insurance company can also talk to you about repatriation if you feel unsafe.
What if my flight is delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
But you are unlikely to get compensation if the delay was because of something outside the airline’s control, such as bad weather.
Other factors such as air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are also not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Flight compensation rules
What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?
Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.
If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.
You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.
So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.
But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.
When am I not entitled to compensation?
The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.
Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.
Some airlines may stretch the definition of the “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?
If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.
Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.
Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.
If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.
