A major UK holiday provider has promised travellers same-day refunds ahead of an anticipated summer of disruption.
On the Beach has committed to same-day refund processing for customers in the event of cancelled flights.
The package holiday provider said that if flights are cancelled, it will “find you an alternative flight or give you a full refund on your entire holiday, processing it on the same day”.
As part of the company’s package-wide “Cancelled Flight Cover”, customers will have refunds processed immediately to book alternative travel plans.
Under air passengers’ rights rules, travellers whose flights are departing from the UK or the EU – or on British or European airlines from anywhere in the world – are already entitled to be flown to their destination as close to the original schedule as possible, on any airline with seats available, and to be provided with meals and hotels if there is a significant delay.
On the Beach added that same-day refunds will be dependent on the customer’s bank policy.
The policy comes as airlines across Europe reduce schedules due to rising fuel costs caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) says: “While UK airlines say they are not currently facing supply issues, the government will be consulting with the industry in order to act quickly if needs be, before disruption takes hold, giving passengers and the aviation sector the certainty they need to plan ahead.”
According to the holiday provider, refunds can take up to 14 days for travellers booking with other suppliers.
Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said: “Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes. We’re proud to be the first package holiday provider to commit to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights, giving customers the confidence to book knowing we’ve got their back when it matters most.
“If the worst happens and a flight is cancelled, we’ll move quickly to either find a new route or return every penny of their holiday money that same day, so they can get a new break booked, make alternative plans fast, and get back to looking forward to their summer instead of worrying about it.”
Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, said: “I’m all in favour of companies issuing faster refunds to travellers. But it remains the case that we want our holidays – not our money back. If any flight is cancelled within Europe this summer it is down to the airline – possibly with the help of a travel agent – to find a suitable alternative.”
Read more: Could your summer holiday be in peril due to a jet fuel crisis?
