- UK ministers are implementing measures to allow airlines to cancel and merge flights – many of which run on less popular routes during the summer – without suffering a penalty, thereby reducing demand for jet fuel and preserving it for holiday flights.
- Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, noted that millions of Britons have already secured their summer flights, frequently at inflated prices during peak travel periods.
- He clarified that current regulations permit airlines to re-accommodate customers with more than 14 days' notice, offering a choice between a new flight or a refund, with compensation only being due for cancellations occurring within the 14-day window.
- Boland expressed concern that it would be unjust to alter rules in favour of airlines, potentially leaving passengers to bear the financial consequences of disruptions. He acknowledged that while some travellers might accept minor delays, significant changes could render short holidays or connecting journeys unfeasible for others.
- Which? Travel insists on firm guarantees that passenger rights will not be eroded and that airlines will not exploit any reforms as a pretext to transfer the expenses of travel disruption onto consumers.
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