Many people have had their holidays cancelled or disrupted so far this year. Citizens Advice Charnwood suggest ways to avoid disappointment and also provide some information about possible reasons for claiming compensation.

Before booking:
Holidays can be expensive, so it's always a good idea to shop around to get the best deal and watch out for scams. Always try to book through a reputable travel operator that can offer you protection, for instance - (a member of a professional body such as ABTA Association of British Travel Agents and one that is registered for ATOL, Air Travel Organiser's Licence - a UK financial protection scheme that protects most air package holidays sold by travel businesses). Make sure to get travel insurance that covers you if things do go wrong. Also, make sure your passports are valid and check the latest foreign travel advice on gov.uk.

Delayed & Cancelled Flights:
If your flight was delayed or cancelled you might be able to get compensation if the airline was at fault. Some things, like bad weather or security issues could be considered outside the airline's control.

Subject to the airline being at fault, you are legally entitled to compensation if your flight is delayed by 3 or more hours; there is a set amount dependent on the distance of your flight and length of the delay.

If your flight is delayed for 5 hours or more you don't have to take it and are entitled to a full refund for the flight and any other flights involved, eg. onward or return flights, or if you are part way through your journey.

If your flight is cancelled you have the legal right to either a full refund or a replacement flight.

For full information regarding your rights and the amount of compensation you can claim, go to the Citizens Advice website and search for 'claim compensation if your flight's delayed or cancelled' - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/if-your-flights-delayed-or-cancelled/#h-check-what-the-airline-should-give-you-if-your-flight-s-delayed

Holidays:
If something went wrong with your holiday you might be able to get compensation from the company you booked with.

It might be possible to get it sorted more quickly if you make the complaint during the holiday rather than leaving it until you get home. Who you write to will depend on who you booked the holiday through. If you booked a package holiday, write to the customer services department of the tour operator you used. If you booked it yourself, or made a linked travel arrangement, write directly to the accommodation or service provider concerned (like the hotel or excursion provider). Remember you will need:-

• Your booking reference
• clear details of what went wrong
• copies any evidence you have - like photos
• copies of receipts
• how much compensation you want

For full information on claiming compensation for a holiday go to the citizens advice website and search for 'claim compensation for a holiday - https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/claim-compensation-for-a-holiday/

You can also find detailed help and information by searching for 'resolving travel problems' on the Civil Aviation Authority website:- www.caa.co.uk

FINALLY, WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS…….

If you have time to spare and enjoy helping people, Citizens Advice Charnwood is looking for people to join its team. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds from people recently retired but wishing to keep active and up-to-date, to students seeking to expand their knowledge and experience. Many of our Advisers work mostly from home and our main office is based in Loughborough. Volunteers are expected to give a minimum of 6 hours per week and full training and support is ongoing.
For more information and details about how to apply go to Volunteering & Jobs on this website or email: training@charnwoodcab.co.uk

If you need help or advice ring our Local Enquiry line on 01509 649605 which is open on Mondays and Thursdays 9.30 am – 3.00pm & Tuesdays 9.30am – 12 noon (apart from bank holidays).
Up-to-date information can also be found on our website: www.charnwoodcab.org.uk