Holidaymakers have reported being caught up in travel chaos over recent weeks.
While Liverpool's John Lennon airport seems to be running mostly smoothly, long queues have been reported at Manchester Airport as flights have been delayed or cancelled. Airports further afield are also facing issues, such as Gatwick, due to "chronic staff shortages" brought on following the covid pandemic.
There are huge numbers of reports of people losing out on thousands of pounds thanks to the chaos and queues at the airports. Some people have been wondering if going on holiday is really worth it at the minute, with people getting stuck abroad, losing their luggage and having their holidays cancelled while already at the airport.
READ MORE: Stark warning to holiday-goers after months of airport chaos
Travel expert, Naveen Dittakavi, at Next Vacay shared his thoughts on how to quicken up the process should your flight be cancelled, and what your rights are as a passenger. He said: "Holidaymakers are being hit by chaotic scenes at airports across the UK, despite covid rules being limited.
"With staff shortages and an increase in travellers creating a strain on the travel industry, the issues are expected to continue into the summer - with the cancelations and delays seen through the bank holiday weekend continuing into the summer holidays. However, the chaos is expected to slow down by the autumn period, with staff levels ramping up at various airports."
Tips for avoiding travel chaos
Be prepared
To beat any disappointments for your summer vacations, you’ll want to make sure that you arrive at the airport at the advised earlier time of your airline - giving you enough time to tackle the queues. If you do miss your flight by no fault of your own, you need to tell the airline ASAP so they can re-book you on another flight. Remember to bring evidence of the time you turned up at the airport - such as a parking ticket - as this could be crucial to receive a refund if there are no alternative flights.
Download your airline's app
If you are flying soon, keep an eye on your flight status as you don't want to get stuck at the airport with no flight. Should your airline cancel your upcoming flight a few days or weeks before your trip, try to re-book a flight as early in the morning as you can as further delays and cancellations often rise and affect later flights.
Before arriving at the airport, download your airline's app to get immediate alerts. This will give you more of a chance to re-book on an alternative flight before other people become aware of the disruption or delays.
Stay calm but know your rights
If you’re already at the airport once the flight is cancelled, the best thing you can do is stay calm - you are protected against many things that might go wrong. There are plenty of options that can make a big difference in approaching a cancelled flight - from preparing alternative options when waiting to speak to staff, to calling up your carrier.
The airline is supposed to help get you to your destination on the same day, but try calling the airline helpline rather than waiting to speak directly with the airport staff. The helpline is often more flexible and may provide you with an e-credit or voucher, or flexibility to change your travel dates quickly.
When speaking to staff, come prepared with your own research about new arrangements as this will help move things quicker along - be prepared to explain what you want as you can insist on a flight on the same day at their expense, however, this may not always be possible with the sudden increase in cancelations. If you are left with having to buy a flight with a rival airline yourself, you can claim the cost of the replacement or request a full refund - depending on which is more expensive.
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