This year’s summer has turned out the first «normal» one since the travel restrictions imposed during Covid-19 pandemic.
Since tourism is once again on a rise, often travellers have to deal with overcrowded airports and cancelled flights. In such situations confusion usually sets in, says Novatours sales office manager Sanda Roze.
Airlines around the world have cancelled more than 25 000 flights originally planned for August. Approximately 60% of them are in Europe. With that, it seems the situation is the most difficult here.
Cirum company’s data indicates that more than 15.7 thousand flights planned for August have been cancelled in Europe already. Western European countries are affected the most. These include Germany, UK, France, Netherlands and Austria.
The main reason given is the shortage of workers caused by the restrictions imposed to battle Covid-19 pandemic and the global stop of tourism.
«Although the number of cancelled flights in Europe did appear very large at first, in reality it accounted for only 2% of the total number of flights scheduled for August,» said Roze.
According to Roze, the general passenger flow has stabilised around the levels of 2019. This is why it is generally recommended to plan trips at least two months in advance to make sure it is possible book a hotel and a seat in an air plane.
What to do if a flight is delayed?
If a passenger picks a European airline and the flight ends up delayed, they have the right for assistance, compensation, free catering (in some cases accommodation) and a return flight depending on the length of the delay and distance. If passengers arrive at their destination with a delay of more than three hours, they are eligible for a compensation (250 to 600 euros), except cases when flights are delayed for exceptional cases.
To receive their compensation, passengers have to contact the airlines responsible for the flight.
What to do if baggage is lost?
Due to the shortage of workers passengers’ registered baggage may end up lost or stopped in transit. First of all, it is necessary to check at the destination if the baggage is definitely missing. Baggage release at the biggest airports may take more than an hour.
If a bag cannot be found, passengers should check baggage from other flights – it is possible bags may have been mixed up in other flights. If the bag is still missing, it is necessary to contact the servicing airline’s baggage office support centre.
If the baggage is still not found, it is necessary to fill in a missing baggage form. It is also worth asking about the compensation the airline offers for lost baggage.
What to do if a flight is cancelled?
If a flight is cancelled, travellers have the right to receive a full refund of their ticket, change the route using offers from the airline, as well as receive aid and compensation (unless the situation falls in one of the cases of exception).
What are the advantages of travel insurance?
When planning vacation in the current situation, travel insurance is more recommended than even before. It can be purchased together with the flight or separately.
This form of insurance primarily protects travellers from accidents and can help cover medical costs that may appear during travel.