Bank Holiday Flights: Know Your Rights Before You Take Off
With the upcoming bank holiday weekend, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is reminding passengers of their consumer rights when flying. To ensure a smooth journey, the regulator has launched a new video campaign, urging travellers to "Know Before You Go".
The initiative comes after a summer of travel chaos in 2023, with significant disruption at UK airports. Figures from the CAA reveal that over 160,000 flights were delayed and 8,000 cancelled across the country in July and August alone.
"We understand that the summer holiday season can be a stressful time for travellers," stated Anna Bowles, Head of Consumer at the CAA. "It's vital that passengers are aware of their entitlements in the event of flight delays or cancellations."
The new video series, available on the CAA's social media channels, provides a concise overview of key passenger rights. The regulator highlights the importance of understanding your rights when flights are disrupted, including:
Knowing your entitlements: The videos clearly explain the compensation and assistance passengers are eligible for when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Informing the airline about special assistance: Passengers needing special assistance are encouraged to notify the airline in advance to ensure their needs are met throughout the journey.
Checking baggage allowances: The CAA reminds travellers to familiarise themselves with their baggage allowance to avoid unexpected fees at the airport.
The CAA's message underscores the importance of being informed and prepared before embarking on a journey. By familiarising themselves with their consumer rights, travellers can navigate potential disruptions with greater confidence and avoid unnecessary stress.
The regulator's video series serves as a valuable resource for passengers planning to travel over the bank holiday weekend and beyond. The full video can be viewed at https://x.com/UK_CAA/status/1826911058218401852.