Stranded Britons face further volcano cost misery
Ferry Online Travel News 29/04/2010
At least 50,000 travelers could have cost claims refused by airlines after listening to the PM.
They’ve already suffered weeks of travel misery. Some have yet to even make it home.
But all of them are likely to be angry at news airlines are likely to throw out reimbursement claims because of advice from Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
In the midst of historic travel chaos caused by the ash cloud, Gordon Brown told stranded Britons to make their way to Channel ports.
However, it appears the PM’s advice has given airlines a way to avoid claims they would otherwise be legally-obliged to pay.
Airlines were already reeling from the global economic depression and soaring fuel costs before the ash cloud arrived.
EU law requires airlines take responsibility for flight delays and suspensions, no matter what the cause. Airlines are required to re-book or re-route passengers when flights are cancelled.
Where applicable, carriers must also provide passengers with support in the form of accommodation, food and other necessities.
Passengers forced to make alternative arrangements could have a case for compensation, but not if they’ve failed to go through their carriers when making the arrangements.
And there lies the rub. Had travelers relied on their airlines to arrange their way home, they would likely not have been out of pocket.
Thanks to the PM’s advice last week, however, those travelers are likely to end up paying hundreds of pounds more for ruined holidays.
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