Planning your trip
Things to think about when booking a flight or holiday.
Holidays can be a stressful and costly time if you're not careful so make sure you know your rights and a few top tips when travelling.
Here's what to know:
Before you set off
Credit cards can be very helpful when used to book a trip providing additional financial protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
Travel insurance will help if things don't quite go to plan protecting against mishaps like missing your flights any medical emergencies you may have and even lost or stolen items during your trip. The type of cover will vary so check the terms and conditions nice and carefully.
For package holidays there's ATOL protection. This also provides additional financial protection in the unlikely event your travel company stops trading. Luckily we've got an easy tool for checking your package trip's ATOL protection status over on the ATOL site.
Do make sure your passport is valid too. If its expiry date is in 3 months or less at any point of your trip or if it was issued over 10 years ago from the day you enter an EU country, then it will need renewing but luckily you can check its validity over on gov.uk.
You should also make yourself aware of your flight baggage allowance so you don't have to pay any unexpected fees or give up anything you don't want to.
Airlines often have limits on the amount of liquid you can take on board or other safety restrictions that prohibit certain items.
Here's what to know during your trip if you find yourself with a delayed flight. Don't worry your airline should look after you. They should keep you fed according to your wait time and put you up for the night if the delay is overnight. If your flight ends up cancelled then the airline should give you the choice of a refund or alternative travel arrangements to get you on your way as soon as possible or at a later date at your convenience.
What if your luggage is lost or damaged? Well this is the airline's responsibility as well. You'll be compensated depending on the value of any affected luggage. If your baggage is delayed you should be reimbursed for any essential items you need in the interim.
If you require special assistance during travel, you should let your airline know at least 48 hours prior to departing and give yourself plenty of time at the airport. You'll find staff at assistance points in the airport to help those with reduced mobility on their journeys.
If you've complained to an airline and aren't happy with a response you can contact the appropriate alternative dispute resolution service or if an airline isn't signed up to an ADR service you can escalate your complaints straight to our passenger advice and complaints team.
Those are just a few key essentials to keep in mind on your next trip but you can find more details over on our website today.
We want everyone to be able to choose the flight or holiday that suits them best. Here are some things to think about before you book.
Searching for a flight or holiday
How can I save money?
Flights and holidays can cost more at busy times, including during school holidays. It may be cheaper if you can be flexible with your dates, fly early in the morning or late at night.
How much will it cost?
Airlines must show you the full price upfront including any mandatory charges and taxes like Air Passenger Duty. This should include any local taxes you might need to pay at your destination, though the airline or holiday provider may not collect them from you.
There may be optional charges for some bags or seat selection.
Can I use a price comparison website?
Using third-party comparison sites can sometimes help you find cheaper prices. Be careful to check that the airline you choose accepts these kinds of bookings, by looking at the airline's website. In some cases, you may need to verify your booking with the airline separately.
Should I use a credit card?
Using a credit card for a booking over £100 may provide you with more protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This applies even if you only used a credit card for part of your payment, such as for the deposit.
There is also some protection on VISA and Mastercard (credit and debits), which may mean your users may be able to attempt a chargeback to get your payment back if the airline fails to provide the service.
What is a connecting flight?
If your booking includes two or more flights that were booked together as one journey (often with one airline or an alliance) your entitlement to care and compensation if there are delays will be based on the last airport in your journey.
If your journey includes two or more separate bookings (sometimes called ‘self-transfer’), each flight is treated as a separate journey. You will not be able to claim care and compensation for the end-to-end journey if delays mean you miss a flight on your journey. However, the relevant entitlements for each individual flight still apply.
What are airline alliances and code shares?
Some airlines work together in groups called alliances. This means you might book one single ticket that covers flights with multiple airlines. This is also called a code share.
If this applies to your booking, the airlines will tell you as soon as possible who is operating your flight as it will affect check-in procedures and your rights if something goes wrong.
Choosing your add-on services and getting onboard
What can I bring on the plane?
Airlines have different baggage allowances, so check ahead of travelling that your booking includes the right number and size of bags for you. This includes bags to take into the cabin (sometimes called cabin or hand baggage) and those to put in the hold (sometimes called checked baggage). Airlines have different size and weight limits for bags.
If you bring more or larger baggage than is within your allowance, you may be charged extra at the airport. Review further information on your baggage and what you can take onboard.
Do I have to pay to choose a seat?
Many airlines will charge you extra to choose a seat. Seats with extra legroom or in a certain part of the plane usually cost more.
Will I be seated with the people I booked with?
Airlines should aim to give children under 12 a seat in the same row as, or no more than one row or aisle from, their accompanying adult.
Airlines should make all reasonable efforts to seat a disabled person or person with reduced mobility with the person accompanying them. Most airlines have processes in place to ensure this happens, but we recommend you contact the airline to confirm their seating policies.
Passengers travelling with small children should contact their airline to check that their preferred restraint device is acceptable and appropriate for the aircraft type. Some passengers are restricted from sitting in emergency exit rows.
What documents do I need to travel?
Check you have the right travel documents for your destination such as a valid passport and visas.
Some countries have specific rules about passport validity. For example, your passport may need to have been issued within a certain timeframe or remain valid for a period beyond your planned stay. Different countries have different entry requirements which you can check on the UK government travel advice page.
It is also essential you correctly spell passengers’ details when you book. Many airlines will charge for making changes to your booking.
Protecting yourself and your booking
What is ATOL Protection?
The Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing scheme (ATOL) is a financial protection scheme that protects you when you book a package trip that includes a flight. It also applies to some flights booked on their own. It is separate from travel insurance.
When you purchase an ATOL protected trip or package holiday that includes a flight, you should be given an ATOL Certificate. This may be provided by the ATOL holder directly or from a travel agent selling on their behalf. Your certificate will clearly state the name of the ATOL holder providing the protection, which may be different from the company you booked with. Everything listed on your ATOL Certificate will be protected if the ATOL holder ceases trading.
Before you make your booking, check the travel company you will be using has an ATOL licence. ATOL holders can sell flights and packages through travel agents and therefore travel agents do not need to hold their own ATOL. See our dedicated site for more information about ATOL protection.
Do I need travel insurance?
We recommend that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your flight or holiday, even if your holiday is ATOL protected. The ATOL scheme only offers financial protection if your travel firm stops trading. Travel insurance can help to protect you against many other unforeseen circumstances that could impact your trip.
You should make sure that insurance is suitable for your needs and your planned trip as some insurance policies may include specific restrictions. Some policies may cover multiple trips.
How can I check my terms and conditions?
We recommend you review the airline’s terms and conditions when booking. These are often displayed during the booking process but are also found on the airline website. These will tell you what you need to do as a passenger and what you can expect from your airline.
Assistance
What assistance is available?
If you have a disability or reduced mobility you are legally entitled to assistance. Airports and airlines must provide free-of-charge help and assistance during your journey. If you require assistance, please let your airline or travel agent know at least 48 hours before your flight to help ensure the support you need is available. Review our assisted travel pages for more information.