Expert reveals the holiday travel no-nos including what never to pack and how to avoid flight cancellation chaos
MILLIONS of us will be jetting off for Christmas trips in the next couple of weeks.
Last year, more than 11million Brits went abroad — and even more of us are expected to travel this year.
But with busy airport terminals and dodgy winter weather, knowing your rights is more important than ever at this time of year.
And with many of us heading off with presents and treats for friends and family, it’s also essential to know what you can pack.
We’ve rounded up what you need to know to have a smooth festive flight, with the help of the experts at the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority.
The CAA’s Andrew McConnell says: “Everybody wants their Christmas travel plans to go without a hitch, and just some planning ahead can help reduce anxiety levels.
“Whether it’s delays, cancellations or lost luggage, we want passengers to be informed and empowered so their journey is as smooth as possible. Know your rights and make your holidays truly merry and bright.”
WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T PACK
Packing certain items in your case could land you in hot water.
Party poppers — which contain explosive or flammable substances — are banned from all aircraft, while each airline has its own rules on whether Christmas crackers are allowed or not.
Want to bring traditional festive foods? Brandy butter, mincemeat, cranberry jelly and chutneys are all considered liquid and should be packed in hold luggage.
If you are taking presents, don’t bring toys that look like weapons in your hand luggage. This includes toy guns, water pistols slingshots, darts and sports bats.
Don’t wrap gifts as they may need to be opened, searched and screened by security staff.
If you’ve brought jewellery, a special watch or antique trinket, keep it in your small cabin luggage, securely stored in the space underneath the seat in front of you. Any items that have lithium batteries — vapes, mobile phones or power banks — should be carried in hand luggage.
LUGGAGE RIGHTS & WRONGS
Every airline has different rules on the size and weight of luggage, so check to avoid having to pay fees.
The amount of compensation you could receive for lost or damaged luggage will depend on the value of the items, but is subject to limits set by international laws.
If your flight is delayed, the airline should pay for essentials such as toiletries, but keep all receipts. If your luggage is lost, the airline should be compensating you for the cost of replacing items, usually up to £1,000.
Check your travel insurance policy as well to see if you can claim. You must report lost, delayed or stolen luggage with your airline straight away.
YOUR RIGHTS WHEN FLIGHTS ARE DISRUPTED
If your flight is delayed, your airline should look after you — including providing food and drink — depending on the length of the delay, as well as providing accommodation if you are delayed overnight.
Generally, rules kick in at more than two hours for short haul, three hours for mid haul and four hours for long haul.
In the event that your flight is cancelled, you should be offered an alternative that gets you to your destination at the earliest opportunity, even if it is with a different airline.
You also have the right to a refund — but bear in mind this means the airline then has no responsibility to get you to your destination.
If the airline fails to look after you or does not offer suitable alternative arrangements and you still want to travel, you can make your own plans and then reclaim the costs from the airline — but keep the receipts.
You cannot be compensated for delays or cancellations outside of the airline’s control such as weather problems or Air Traffic Control restrictions.
Compensation for a delay or cancellation will be from £220 to £529, depending on the length of the flight. Compensation kicks in if your flight arrives more than three hours late.
- For more information on your rights, see caa.co.uk/ passengers-and-public/ resolving-travel-problems.