Brits unlikely to get compensation for Luton airport chaos following fire
Brits have been warned not to travel to Luton Airport this morning, after a huge blaze ripped through one of the airport's car parks.
Firefighters rushed to the scene last night at about 9pm and fought until the blaze was extinguished early this morning. As a result of the blaze, all flights to and from the airport have been grounded until 3pm on Wednesday. Airlines including easyJet and Wizz Air have already been sharing updates for passengers, such as rebooking free of charge or receiving a full refund for cancelled flights.
When an airline cancels your flight, you are entitled to a refund, although some companies do also offer options such as rebooking to a later date or receiving that money in credit for a future trip.
In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation. However in the case of the Luton Airport fire, airlines will be able to claim 'extraordinary circumstances' ie something that was out of their control, therefore it's unlikely you'll receive compensation.
easyJet said in a statement that it had also been providing hotel accommodation and meals for some of the passengers who were caught up in the chaos when flights were grounded.
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A charred section of a parking structure is seen after it caught fire (AFP via Getty Images)A spokesperson for Claims.co.uk has explained passengers' rights to a refund or other options following the fire. They said: "Whilst booking a package holiday can slash the cost of going away, if your flight is cancelled you can risk having your whole holiday cancelled or rearranged. If you have booked a package holiday and your flights are cancelled, you have the rights to either claim a full refund, a reroute of the trip destination and potentially compensation from the airline.
"However, in these specific circumstances, delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control restrictions are considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ and therefore do not qualify for compensation. In cases of flight delays and flight cancellations due to an ‘extraordinary circumstance,’ the airline must provide you with additional services, depending on the length of your delay and waiting time.
"These additional services include free meals and refreshments, which you are entitled to when your flight is delayed by at least 2 hours. Passengers should also receive a free overnight accommodation and a transfer to and from the airport if the flight is shifted to the next day.
"If a travel operator needs to cancel a package holiday for any reason, they are required to notify you as soon as possible and without undue delay. This is to ensure that you have enough time to help you make alternative arrangements or seek refunds. However, in many people's case due to the disruption, if you are at the airport when the flight is cancelled, it is advised that you contact your travel company straight away to talk through your options.
"If the delay lasts more than five hours, but is not actually cancelled, you should also be able to choose not to travel and get a full refund on your ticket. If your flight cannot be rearranged, meaning your whole holiday must be cancelled, then the travel company must offer an alternative holiday if possible, or a refund of the full package price, not just the flight part."
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