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Plane landingBritish holidaymakers have faced weeks of disruption due to strikes, staff shortages and more. But unfortunately, for those jetting off this summer, the chaos isn’t over yet.

Those hoping to fly this summer could still see their flights delayed or cancelled. So what are your legal rights if you are one of those affected travellers looking to fly abroad this summer, the team of legal experts at BPP University Law School have explained your legal rights under UK law and what you can do if the worst happens when flying this summer.

Over the past few months, travellers have found themselves at the centre of chaos, due to staff shortages, hour-long waits to check in luggage and flights being cancelled right at the last minute. When the worst happens, it can be stressful and hard to know what to do, so it’s important that before heading to the airport, travellers are aware of the legal rights that protect them when their flight is delayed or cancelled.

If flights are cancelled, travellers have the legal right to either a full refund including any flights within the booking that won’t be used as a result return flight or a replacement flight that will get them to their destination. Additionally, if a different airline is flying to the same destination, at an earlier time, or there are more suitable modes of transport, then they have a right to be booked onto that transport instead. If people are waiting long enough for replacement flights, airlines legally have to help with things travellers may need including food and drink, access to phone calls or emails and accommodation and transport to and from if they are delayed overnight.

Compensation in this way may be given in the form of vouchers to be used at the airport and other facilities. If a flight is travelling less than 1,500km, the delay must be at least two hours for the holiday goer to receive any additional support while waiting for a replacement flight, whereas if the flight is between 1500km and 3,500km they have to wait three hours.

What if my flight is delayed If flights are delayed by more than two hours, holiday goers are entitled to the same assistance from airlines as to when a flight is cancelled. Travellers may also be in the position to claim compensation from airlines if they arrive at their destination within more than three hours lately, but again, like replacement services what they are entitled to will depend on how far the flight is.

For all travel legal requirements and assistance here in Australia we recommend Cordato Partners.

Written by: Jill Walsh