Travellers warned of chaos and last minute flight cancellations this summer after airport rule change | The Sun

HOLIDAYMAKERS have been warned that they face chaos and last minute cancellations at airports this summer, after a government rule change.

With queues and cancellations all too common for travellers last summer, people are hoping that going away this year will be a less stressful experience.

However, travel experts are now warning that similar scenes could return to airports again, after the government reintroduced its 80:20 slot usage rule for airlines.

The rule states that carriers need to use their allocated take-off slots at airports, at least 80 per cent of the time in order to retain them.

If they don't meet the quota, their spaces at those airports can be given to other airlines.

During the pandemic when far fewer flights were being operated, a "slot amnesty" was put in place, to reduce the pressure on airlines having to hit the targets.

Read More on Airports

Holiday boost as airport boss reveals plan to scrap luggage scanners

Airport security worker reveals the big mistakes passengers make when travelling

However, the 80:20 rule is being brought back in ahead of this summer and Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, has warned that it could be a big problem for holidaymakers.

He said:  “Travellers faced complete chaos last summer, with many airlines consistently failing in their ability to deliver anything close to a reliable service.

"With some companies still in the process of re-staffing, and tickets selling in record numbers, the government's decision to drop the airline slots amnesty could mean airlines once again resorting to last-minute cancellations if they are not fully prepared for the summer season."

Rory has urged airlines to make sure they can provide the services they are offering to passengers – and has called on the government to be stricter to airlines who break promises.

Most read in News Travel

GROUNDED

European airline goes bust and cancels all flights

PIZZA THE ACTION

I flew to Italy for pizza – even with my flight it was less than Domino's

DRINK UP

Hotel guest 'nearly passes out' at shocking cost for bottle of water from minibar

BAG IT UP

Baggage handler shares what it's like in the plane's belly & people are shocked

He continued: "It is essential that airlines and airports take every necessary step to ensure they can deliver their promised schedules.

"The government must not hesitate in taking action against any airlines found once again to be taking bookings they cannot fulfil.

“The government must also urgently set out legislation to give the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) stronger enforcement powers, so that it can properly regulate the aviation sector.

"Without decisive action, some airlines will continue to neglect their legal responsibilities and mistreat passengers, as we have seen repeatedly in the last few years.”

One airline has already left thousands of passengers stranded this year, with Flybe cancelling hundreds of flights.

Last week it was expected around 2,500 passengers were due to travel with the airline, and about 75,000 passengers in total have had flights cancelled, according to the BBC.

People with Flybe bookings were told not to travel to the airport after the sudden collapse of the airline.

Fuming customers flocked to social media to try and figure out their next steps.

One wrote: "Stranded in Geneva now, due to fly tomorrow morning. Spent my last euro at aprés, what do I do now?"

Another added: "Stranded at Heathrow after we were told we’d been rebooked on a new flight this morning!"

A third fumed: "My daughter due to fly back to university today.

"You allowed me to book extras yesterday and take my money. The second time this has happened. What utter, utter scumbags."

Read More on The Sun

My healthy husband died at just 26 years old – the silent killer was in our home

Aldi fans are rushing to get new perfume dupes for as little as £1.99

Meanwhile, strikes in Spanish airports are threatening to cause chaos and disruption over half-term.

And Brits have been issued a warning over visiting another popular holiday destination this year.


Source: Read Full Article

Previous post Major passport warning as prices to increase from TOMORROW | The Sun
Next post My energy firm won't replace my 'dumb' smart meter due a loophole in rules | The Sun