“I’m due to fly to Australia for a family get together in just over two weeks, and it was all planned so that I’d be flying from Gatwick in the evening, giving me enough time to get to the airport during the day. I also booked extra legroom, a bigger baggage allowance and other perks for the flight as it’s going to be a long one.
“I had a telephone call from the airline this morning saying that the flight has had to be cancelled, and they will be switching me to an earlier one, which leaves at 10am. Not only that, but the plane is smaller, they can’t guarantee me more legroom, and I can’t have the extra baggage allowance.
“I paid for the extras, and although they are willing to refund the extra I paid, they refuse to budge on anything else, so now I’m either going to have to book a taxi or stay in a Gatwick hotel overnight. The flight will be uncomfortable, and I will have to take less baggage with me.“
Advice
Oh dear, it’s a difficult problem, but sadly there probably isn’t much that you can do in this case, because the details of your flight were changed well in advance. The airline are also offering to refund the premium that you paid for the extra baggage and leg room, so legally they don’t have to do any more than that.
Under EU law, you could alternatively ask the airline for a refund of the cost of your ticket, but that won’t help in your situation, when you still need to get to Australia.
Because your flight is departing on the same day as your original one, even though you have to stay overnight or book a taxi, you’re still expected to cover the extra cost. Most airlines have a clause in their booking terms and conditions which gets them out of the responsibility for extra costs like this. In most cases, if the new flight time is within 12 hours of the one you’d originally booked, you won’t be entitled to anything.
The only possible loophole to this would be if your flight had been changed drastically – from a day flight to a night one. A night flight is usually defined as a flight which leaves the UK between the hours of 10pm and 6am. If your flight had been changed the other way round, and was departing at least three hours later than originally planned, you might be able to squeeze some compensation out of the airline.
What Should I Do Next?
It’s still worth appealing to their better nature, and asking them for a discount or some money back on the flight, due to the inconvenience that the change in flight times has caused.
It’s also up to you to make sure that you don’t pay over the odds if you’re going to try and claim any kind of compensation. Stick to a basic hotel, or get the cheapest quote for a taxi you can find, and ask them very nicely if they wouldn’t mind contributing.
If they say no – there’s nothing you can do, I’m afraid
.
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I booked a flight from Edinburgh to Stansted as I want to go into Norwich. The travel date is 16 June. Easyjet have just sent me can email confirming flight. Same date and time but have changed the destination to Gatwick. Can I get a refund?
Paul Lewis - 28-May-20 @ 11:23 PM
Our flight from Bristol to Chania on 24/9/2019 at 15:50 returning 14 days later, the flight has been changed to Gatwick same dates but times 06:10, meaning additional travel and hotel and parking at Gatwick, TUI have offered a good will gesture of £50 per booking, there are 8 in our party so additional cost are considerable, can we claim for additional expenses?
Wavewatcher - 10-Aug-19 @ 7:29 AM
First choice have changed who we are flying with from tui to albastar. It's took me 17 years to get back on a flight after a bad flightand also have a chronic illness that flares when I have stress. I've checked up on this airline and the planes are old and not up to standards what can I do.?
Granny - 23-May-19 @ 9:43 AM
Tui have changed my flight to albastar..I have read about this company and reviews are not good.. can I get compensated for this as I'm not happy and my wife is a nervous flyer
Pc - 22-May-19 @ 9:23 PM
An agent have offered us a flight, offering installment basis. They asked us to pay a deposit of £500 to secure the price and the flight, which we did, and they sent us invoice. When they advise us to pay the full amount so we don’t lose our reservation, we complied. After two days, they came back to me to informed me that I lost the reservation?? How can that happened ??
I’m now in a difficult situation as prices have gone up incredibly. What can I do as I felt misled by the agent and now is causing us more money?
Mel - 3-May-19 @ 2:12 AM
hi I booked flights for myself and my wife in February to fly to Australia in October for our Daughters wedding. We were due to return on November the 10th but now the airline has cancelled our flight and put us on a flight home on the 9th November with an extra flight to Sydney and very long lay overs and we will be travelling for over 41 hours instead of 22hours with our original flight. What redress do we have as we need to travel?
Dave - 29-Apr-19 @ 9:02 PM
I,ve booked a flight for myself my daughter and 2 grand daughters travelling from Luton to Barcelona, and returning from Barcelona to Luton in August. The airline has now informed me we will be returning to Gatwick airport. What compensation can I claim for the obvious increased costs, and inconvenience ?
Watford - 24-Jun-18 @ 7:07 PM
Having booked a holiday to Egypt in November for 2 weeks from Doncaster we have now had our flight cancelled, and moved to Birmingham on the same date but an hour later. Living20 minutes from Doncaster airport my son was willing to drop us off and pick us up, but now myself and my wife having to travel to Birmingham pay for airport parking and extra fuel costs. We contactedtui travel agent in store (Sheffield Meadowhall) and after speaking with a few reps and getting nowhere I asked to speak with someone higher. We was contacted by a manager who was arrogant and very patronising was not very helpful basically said that because they had offered an another flight it was up to us to pay extra charges which I think is very unfair, he also said we should claim any extra costs we incur from our travel insurance (not insured with tui). Any help or advise with this matter would be fully appreciated.
scorchio - 11-Jun-18 @ 7:05 PM
Caroline199 - Your Question:
I have booked a holiday to Tokyo flying direct. A three day stay then a cruise. I have been told now that it is not a direct flight with a stopover in Singapore. I cannot do this because I’m over 80 and suffer with arthritis and the journey would be too long for me.THe travel agent has offered me a cruise instead but it would mean the expense of travelling to Southampton.They have refused a complete refund which I do think is unfair.patricia
Our Response:
Will they reimburse your travel expenses to Southampton? What are the terms and conditions of the booking?
YourTravelRights - 1-May-18 @ 11:30 AM
I have booked a holiday to Tokyo flying direct.A three day stay then a cruise.I have been told now that it is not a direct flight with a stopover in Singapore.I cannot do this because I’m over 80 and suffer with arthritis and the journey would be too long for me.THetravel agent has offered me a cruise instead but it would mean the expense of travelling to Southampton.
They have refused a complete refund which I do think is unfair.patricia
Caroline199 - 30-Apr-18 @ 2:42 PM
I have just been informed that the Salt Lake City to LA flight that makes up the last leg of my journey from Leeds Bradford to LA with KLM has been cancelled. The cancelled original flight from Salt Lake City to LA was to depart early evening. The new booking KLM have made for me departs the following morning 12 hrs 12 mins later. This means I, my wife and two young children (including an infant) will have to find overnight accommodation and meals at Salt Lake City. Am I entitled to claim the cost of this from KLM? The flight from Salt Lake City to LA is operated by Delta. KLM have given me more than two weeks' notice.
Dave - 20-Jan-18 @ 10:44 PM
Pete - Your Question:
I missed my flight back to Manchester uk and have no money and the airlines won't help what can I do to get home
Our Response:
You may have to contact family or friends to see if someone can loan you the money for a fare home?
YourTravelRights - 17-Nov-17 @ 10:19 AM
I missed my flight back to Manchester uk and have no money and the airlines won't help what can I do to get home
Pete - 16-Nov-17 @ 12:11 AM
Ang - Your Question:
I have booked a cheap 7 night holiday to tenerife with thomson for myself and my husband and my brother and sister in law and 2 friends. We booked because the original flight times were very good and allowed us to land and get home in plenty of time to start work the next day. I have just reviewed my booking online and the flight times both ways have now been changed without any notice so much that the return flights home have now changed from landing at 5.40pm to after 01.30am the following day thus meaning we will all have to book an extra day off work and lose money due to lack of holidays. surely this isn't right? Any advice on what can be done would be greatly appreciated thanks
Our Response:
You need to check the terms and conditions in your holiday booking. There is nothing set in law about compensation unless your flight is delayed or cancelled.
YourTravelRights - 9-Oct-17 @ 12:45 PM
I have booked a cheap 7 night holiday to tenerife with thomson for myself and my husband and my brother and sister in law and 2 friends. We booked because the original flight times were very good and allowed us to land and get home in plenty of time to start work the next day. I have just reviewed my booking online and the flight times both ways have now been changed without any notice so much that the return flights home have now changed from landing at 5.40pm to after 01.30am the following day thus meaning we will all have to book an extra day off work and lose money due to lack of holidays ... surely this isn't right? Any advice on what can be done would be greatly appreciated thanks
Ang - 8-Oct-17 @ 12:40 AM
Griff- Your Question:
Hi we booked an allinclusive holiday for November 20 -30. Had an email from Thomson ro say holiday date and flight now changed ,now November 16 - 26. We had already paid for airport parking at Birmingham ,now have had to pay again for change of date ,can we claim from Thomson Holidays for a refund.griff
Our Response:
The dates on this have changed significantly enough that you should be offered a refund. You could also take up the holiday with the new dates and try to claim compensation for the incovenience, additional parking fee etc.
YourTravelRights - 8-Sep-17 @ 12:15 PM
Hi we booked an allinclusive holiday for November 20 -30 . Had an email from Thomson ro say holiday date and flight now changed ,now November 16 - 26 . We had already paid for airport parking at Birmingham ,now have had to pay again for change of date ,can we claim fromThomson Holidays for a refund.griff
Griff - 7-Sep-17 @ 1:38 PM
Ibooked a flight for 3 people goin out on 22/12/17 coming back on 2/1/18
I booked hotel for ten nights separately
When my booking came through airline had cancelled flight now they are flying us out on the 26/12/17 what are my rights
Derekdec - 23-Aug-17 @ 4:45 PM
Pauline - Your Question:
Hi. We've booked a cruise from Venice with a 2 night pre-cruise stay in Venice. There are four Easyjet flights daily and when our booking confirmation came through we were on the first flight out from Gatwick at 8.35am. Now the time has come to check in and print our boarding passes for our 8th Sept departure and we have been allocated seats on the third flight out at 6.15pm - meaning we will arrive at about 11pm hence losing one of our 2 days in Venice. The first flight has not been cancelled and still has approximately 70 seats available so why have we been moved to the later flight without any consultation? We have booked an airport taxi and transfer all relating to the early flight. Can they do this?
Our Response:
It seems odd to do so if there are still seats available on the earlier flight. Have you spoken to them? Was it booked directly via the airline or using a tour operator/holiday company.
YourTravelRights - 14-Aug-17 @ 11:49 AM
Hi.We've booked a cruise from Venice with a 2 night pre-cruise stay in Venice.There are four Easyjet flights daily and when our booking confirmation came through we were on the first flight out from Gatwick at 8.35am.Now the time has come to check in and print our boarding passes for our 8th Sept departure and we have been allocated seats on the third flight out at 6.15pm - meaning we will arrive at about 11pm hence losing one of our 2 days in Venice.The first flight has not been cancelled and still has approximately 70 seats available so why have we been moved to the later flight without any consultation?We have booked an airport taxi and transfer all relating to the early flight.Can they do this?
Pauline - 11-Aug-17 @ 2:24 PM
Jolene - Your Question:
Hi I'm wondering if you can give me any advice. I had a flight booked from NEwcatle to Mykonos, via a 3 hour stop over in Barcelona. I've just found out (by trying to book my brother on to the flight) that the company have cancelled all flights from my airport. They've not informed me of this even though I've since found out the decision was made 6 months ago and they've not let me know. The flight they have offered me is to fly from Edinburgh but with it already being an indirect flight, adding the 3 hours of travel to Edinburgh would make it too long for my child. If I get a gerund am I entitled to any compensation as I will now have to fly the day before with a different company meaning I will have to pay an extra nights accommodation Thanks
Our Response:
You are entitlted to a refund. Any application for compensation will be dealt with separately and is not part of consumer rights legislation.
YourTravelRights - 8-Aug-17 @ 2:49 PM
Hi I'm wondering if you can give me any advice. I had a flight booked from NEwcatle to Mykonos, via a 3 hour stop over in Barcelona.
I've just found out (by trying to book my brother on to the flight) that the company have cancelled all flights from my airport. They've not informed me of this even though I've since found out the decision was made 6 months ago and they've not let me know.
The flight they have offered me is to fly from Edinburgh but with it already being an indirect flight, adding the 3 hours of travel to Edinburgh would make it too long for my child.
If I get a gerund am I entitled to any compensation as I will now have to fly the day before with a different company meaning I will have to pay an extra nights accommodation
Thanks
Jolene - 7-Aug-17 @ 4:05 PM
Chris - Your Question:
In February IBooked 10 night holiday from Gatwick 17.4.18 to Turkey. I Just received the tour operators email stating Gatwick flight cancelled on 17.4.18 and so Holiday has been changed to 14.4.18 for 10 nights.I checked their website which still has the flight out of Gatwick on 17.4.18 for 11 nights.I have asked if I could travel on the 17.4.18 for 11 nights and pay for the extra 1 night.The agent insists there were no flights and said the computer needs updating? I thought their systems were live.I was told to accept the 3 day holiday change or cancel the booking.What are my legal rights please.
Our Response:
Unfortunately if your holiday operator can only get the flights they tell you, then you may have to cancel for a refund. If they flights you want are available, is there a chance you could arrange the rest of your holiday yourself?
YourTravelRights - 26-Jul-17 @ 1:56 PM
I have booked a flight from Glasgow to Orlando for next year with Thomas Cook and they have just informed me that my flying time will increase from 8 hrs 40 mins to just over 12 hours as we will also touch down in Manchester but will not get off the plane......absolutely horrified at thought if sitting on a plane this long but they are refusing to di anything as sat it is a MINOR change! Not to me it isnt!!!!!!
Anything I can do? Thanks
Scotty - 22-Jul-17 @ 9:27 AM
In February IBooked 10 night holidayfrom Gatwick 17.4.18 to Turkey. I Just received the tour operators email stating Gatwick flight cancelled on 17.4.18and so Holiday has been changed to 14.4.18 for 10 nights.
I checked their website which still has the flight out of Gatwick on 17.4.18 for 11 nights.
I have asked if I could travel on the 17.4.18 for 11 nights and pay for the extra 1 night.
The agent insists there were no flights and said the computer needs updating? I thought their systems were live.I was told to accept the 3 day holiday change or cancel the booking.
What are my legal rights please.
Chris - 20-Jul-17 @ 11:49 AM
I booked 2 flights London to Las Vegas with Virgin 1/5/17 for 6 nights. On 21/5/17 Virgin advised of a minor change to flight times. On 4/6/17 we decided to extend holiday by one extra night (7 nights away), flight price had not changed but we were charged a £300 admin fee.
On 17/7/17 received email stating flight had been changed back to original 6 days, no reason given, but looks like flight has been cancelled.
Virgin will not refund the £300 admin fee or offer any sort compensation even though we have lost 24 hours of our holiday.
Any advise.
Lan123 - 17-Jul-17 @ 6:42 PM
HT87 - Your Question:
Hi, I wonder if you could advise, I have a flight booked for NCL-DUB-JFK on the 28th November (NCL flight was at 8.30am). I have just received an email stating the flight is now being moved to the 27th November (leaving NCL at 3.45pm) - this change means that there will be a stopover at Dublin (arrive at Dublin 5pm and leave Dublin at 10.50am on the 28th November). This means that I now have to find a hotel for the night while in Dublin (the other flight option they gave me was a lot worse and was still leaving on the 27th but meant staying over in Cork and also an extra flight - so the alternative flight just wasn't an option). I wondered that if I accepted this change and leave on the 27th and just booked a hotel in Dublin, would the airline pay (or at least contribute towards) this?Many thanks in advance
Our Response:
Contact them and find out. The airline's website should show you whether you can cancel/expect a refund. Many of them will offer a partial or full refund if you flights have changed by 12 hours or more.
YourTravelRights - 6-Jul-17 @ 11:27 AM
Hi,
I wonder if you could advise, I have a flight booked for NCL-DUB-JFK on the 28th November (NCL flight was at 8.30am).
I have just received an email stating the flight is now being moved to the 27th November (leaving NCL at 3.45pm) - this change means that there will be a stopover at Dublin (arrive at Dublin 5pm and leave Dublin at 10.50am on the 28th November).
This means that I now have to find a hotel for the night while in Dublin (the other flight option they gave me was a lot worse and was still leaving on the 27th but meant staying over in Cork and also an extra flight - so the alternative flight just wasn't an option).
I wondered that if I accepted this change and leave on the 27th and just booked a hotel in Dublin, would the airline pay (or at least contribute towards) this?
Many thanks in advance
HT87 - 5-Jul-17 @ 10:27 AM
Havana - Your Question:
HelloWe originally booked our flights with Easijet as the flight was leaving at 7.20 in the morning from Manchester to Greece, we booked an overnight Hotel. They have now changed the flight time 4.15 pm which is 9 hours later. Are they able to do this. Would I be entitled to compensation. We should have been landing back 14 nights later at midday but are now arrive back at 00.10 in the early hours. This means we will arrive in Greece late and miss some holiday.
Our Response:
You can usually claim some compensation if your flight times have changed by more than 12 hours or have moved into another day.
YourTravelRights - 4-Jul-17 @ 2:10 PM
Spud - Your Question:
I am due to fly to Bulgaria tonight at 2255 but my flight has been cancelled to1030 tomorrow it has already been changed twice today can I claim my money back if I don't go on holiday by choice due to the worry of not being back in time for an appointment on the day after we are supposed to be back as we have just found out this has been ongoing with the airline for 5 weeks
Our Response:
You may be entitled to a refund on your flight if the times have been changed so that the new flight time is more than 12 hours later than originally stated or it is on a different day. It's highly unlikely you will be able to cancel your holiday or return flight because of this.