Is there a shortage of jet fuel?
At present, both airports and airlines are saying there is no shortage. Aviation fuel is purchased well in advance, so there should be no risk of running out before the peak summer holiday period.
I’ve already paid for my holiday, will the airline now ask me to pay a fuel surcharge?
There isn’t any suggestion that airlines will ask anyone that has already booked for a fuel surcharge. In fact, Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI and Jet2 have all said they won’t do that. But one thing is certain, we believe in clear and transparent pricing, which is why Thomas Cook will never add its own surcharge.
If you haven’t already booked, you may notice airlines have increased prices on some routes due to uncertainty over jet fuel prices, but there are still plenty of cheap last minute holidays available if you’re flexible with your dates and destination.
What if I’ve changed my mind about travelling?
If you change your mind, standard cancellation T&Cs will apply. Travel insurance will normally cover you for exceptional circumstances such as illness, bereavement and redundancy.
Can I travel to the Middle East at present?
At the time of writing, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates and Jordan - so if you choose to go there for a holiday you may find that your travel insurance won’t cover you.
For Cyprus and Oman, the FCDO advises ‘exercise caution’, while trips to Israel are completely off the cards.
The FCDO has also issued travel advisories for both Egypt and Turkey. These do not cover any of the popular holiday resorts, but do read up on them if you’re planning to head off the beaten track.
Will my flight be cancelled?
The advice given by leading travel journalist Simon Calder is that airlines may cancel some flights, but you shouldn’t worry. He suggests airlines may decide to reduce the number of daily flights to some destinations this summer, to conserve fuel. For example, if there were 10 flights a day to a destination where they weren't likely to fill the seats, they could rebook customers to fly either a couple of hours earlier or later - causing very little disruption to travel plans.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
The airline will offer you three options:
1. Rebook on to an alternative flight for the same route
2. Re-route
3. Refund
Rebook: Your airline will try to get you on one of their other flights first, or with a partner airline. But if don’t don’t have anything suitable, they’re required to put you on a flight with a different airline. MoneySavingExpert says you may not automatically be offered this, but the airline has a duty to provide it as an option. So, push for it if that’s what works for you.
Re-route: This is where your departure or destination airport changes. For example, Manchester to Paphos instead of Liverpool to Paphos, or Heathrow to Pisa instead of Heathrow to Florence. In cases like these, the airline will also be responsible for the cost of getting you to or from the alternative airport.
Refund: This will just be the cost of your flight, not your whole holiday - so if you’ve booked any extras like airport parking, transfers and car hire, they won’t be included. Still want to travel? Then you’ll need to book new flights. It’s also important to note that you’re unlikely to get your refund instantly.
Want to ensure you’re covered for instances outside your control? Buy comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book your holiday.
Will I get compensation if my flight is cancelled?
It depends on your departure and arrival airports. If you’re flying from or to either a UK airport or an airport in the EU, you’ll get a food and drink voucher to use at the airport, which should cover you for a sandwich and a coffee. And if you have to wait till the next day for your new flight, the airline must also arrange a hotel room for you.
There are exceptions, such as if you’re flying indirect via a non-EU airport, where local laws may be different.
You’re also entitled to cash compensation from the airline if:
• The flight was cancelled less than 14 days before departure.
• The actual flight arrival time was more than 3 hours later than the original scheduled time.
• The reason for the change was within the airline's control.
The airline will usually send you an SMS message with details of how to claim. If they don’t, you can still submit a claim through their website. And don’t be fooled by any third party sites saying they can claim compensation for you!
How can I stay up-to-date with developments?
Keep an eye on the FCDO website for the latest foreign travel advice. Sign up to email alerts for the country you’re going to (or plan to visit) and you’ll get a message if anything changes. It’s also handy for important updates on things like local transport, natural disasters, protests and crime prevention.'
About the author
Edd Myerscough has explored more than 15 destinations solo, from discovering top European cities to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, and admiring the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you're after top tips on planning a seamless city break or an adventurous escape, Edd's got you covered with stories and practical advice to inspire your next journey.