If your flight from Spain to Portugal is cancelled due to a power outage, what are your passenger rights?

If your flight from Spain to Portugal is cancelled due to a power outage, what are your passenger rights?

Revamped Guide: Stranded Travelers Amid Massive Power Outage

Navigating the chaos following a massive power outage in Spain and Portugal that grounded over 500 flights, leaving thousands of travelers stranded, can be overwhelming. Here's a rundown of your rights and how to potentially recoup some expenses.

But, Money Compensation for Cancelled Flights? Not So Fast! 💸

Under UK and EU law, passengers aren't guaranteed money compensation if the airline isn't at fault. But don't fret, as airlines still have an obligation to provide support. As Ernesto Suarez, CEO of travel insurance company Gigasure, puts it, when flights get cancelled, "passengers may not get any compensation directly from the operator."

Instead, airlines are required to offer:

• Hotel rooms or meals
• Reimbursement for alternative travel arrangements

It's worth noting that if you have travel insurance, you might find some financial protection. Suarez states, "somewho with travel insurance may have financial protection if their trip is delayed, cancelled, or cut short due to the power outage."

What About Travel Insurance Claims? 📝

Well, those with travel insurance policies might be eligible for coverage if:

• Their trip is delayed, cancelled, or cut short
• They have extended travel disruption cover

In fact, if the delay or cancellation is outside your control, you will likely be able to make a claim. Travel and insurance expert Michelle Cooper from Saga Travel Insurance advises:

• Keeping records of all additional expenses incurred because of the disruption
• Retaining all receipts for accommodation, meals, and transport
• Asking for written confirmation from airlines or travel providers about any cancellations or delays

Be Aware of Safety Issues with Emergency Accommodation 🛏️

Some travelers faced safety concerns during the blackout, such as hotels lacking working emergency lighting, air conditioning, or fire safety systems. In such situations, your safety might come first. If you had to move to a different accommodation, make sure to keep all receipts and proof of why you needed to leave for insurance claims.

Giving Up on Your Trip? 😕

In case you decide not to travel to Spain or Portugal, your claim might not be valid unless the airline or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination. Travel expert Cooper suggests following your tour operator's app or social media pages for real-time updates on trip cancellations.

The Bottom Line ✊

The power outage caused a massive travel disruption, but don't despair! Understand your rights, file a claim if needed, and stay informed through your travel provider's updates to navigate this tough situation.

Recommended to Read 🌐

• travel insurance
• Spain
• Portugal
• Airlines
• flight

[1] European Union Regulation 261/2004[2] UK Civil Aviation Authority[3] Consumer Rights Act 2015[4] European Commission proposes to increase delay threshold for compensation[5] Airhelp

1. Despite the lack of guaranteed money compensation for cancelled flights, airlines are obligated to offer hotel rooms or meals, and reimbursement for alternative travel arrangements.
2. Those with travel insurance may find financial protection if their trip is delayed, cancelled, or cut short due to a power outage, particularly if they have extended travel disruption cover.
3. Be aware of safety issues with emergency accommodation, such as hotels lacking working emergency lighting, air conditioning, or fire safety systems, and keep all receipts and proof for insurance claims in such situations.
4. If you decide not to travel to Spain or Portugal, your claim might not be valid unless the airline or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to your destination.

Read also: