Passengers may be entitled to more than they think when their flight is cancelled (Image: GETTY)
Travellers to Italy being affected by waves of strikes are being alerted to compensation they could claim. Italy has been grappling with waves of unrest in public transport, including buses, trains, trams, and airport strikes over the past month.
There is the threat of more upheaval in October as employees strike for better pay and safer working conditions.
Carriers like Ryanair have been caught in the crossfire, forced to delay or cancel scores of flights amid the strife in hotspots such as Bologna, Milan, Rome, and Venice.
Yet despite the disruption to countless holiday itineraries, one expert revealed that holidaymakers may be entitled to more compensation than they reckon.
A representative from has urged travellers not just to brace for the knock-on effects but to keep an eye their rightful dues.
Pointing out the specifics, the spokesperson said: “In these specific circumstances, delays and cancellations caused by air traffic control restrictions are considered an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ and therefore do not qualify for compensation. In cases of flight delays and flight cancellations due to an ‘extraordinary circumstance,’ the airline must provide you with additional services, depending on the length of your delay and waiting time.”
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Fliers faced with delays or cancellations could be in for a surprise, as the expert points out you might be entitled to free meals and refreshments if your flight’s been held up for over 2 hours, or even an overnight stay complete with airport transfers when necessary.
But if turmoil strikes while you’re lounging in departures and your flight is scrapped, the expert said: “It is advised that you contact your travel company straight away to talk through your options. If the delay lasts more than five hours, but is not actually cancelled, you should also be able to choose not to travel and get a full refund on your ticket.”
Those who got a package holiday may not have to worry about resetting all of their plans if they face delays or cancellations before heading off – there’s a silver lining.
The expert explained: “The travel company must offer an alternative holiday if possible, or a refund of the full package price, not just the flight part.”
Passengers may score some extra sums in compensation.
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They added: “If you received less than 14 days’ notice of the cancellation, you can claim compensation. This can be awarded in pounds or euros depending on where your flight was due to depart from.”
They’ve also charted out how the haul length translates into money. Short hops under 1,500km could net you £220/€250, mid-range jaunts up to 3,500km might see £350/€400, and grand voyages surpassing these limits could lead to £520/€600.