Which? claims holidaymakers aren't warned about post-Brexit flight cancellations

Which? has revealed that millions of holidaymakers haven’t been warned properly by travel companies of the consequences of a ‘no deal’ on aviation post-Brexit, which includes potential flight disruptions and booking cancellations.

Which? has asked the UK’s five biggest travel companies (Expedia, Jet2holidays, On the Beach, Thomas Cook and TUI) what they were doing to let the customer know of the risks of booking holidays post 29 March 2019.

The inquiry comes after both Ryanair and Lufthansa recently warned that UK holidaymakers could face flight cancellations as a result of Brexit.

The consumer rights group has also found that Thomas Cook would not provide compensation for cancellations in such circumstances, nor would it reimburse out-of-pocket expenses under all circumstances if it had to change the booking.

Customers would be reimbursed for the cost of the tickets if they couldn’t fly, but even then it encouraged them to take out travel insurance for the rest of the possible costs that might arise as a result.

Hence, Which? asked travel companies to give clear and upfront notice of those risks before the bookings.and was calling for the government to deal with the travel companies and ensure citizens rights in the case of a ‘no deal’ scenario post-Brexit.

Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, said: "This uncertainty for holidaymakers is just one of the many issues affecting people’s everyday lives that need to be resolved as we move closer to the date that the UK leaves the EU.

"We want to work with government and businesses on issues such as this in order to deliver a Brexit that puts consumers first. We want to ensure that people are supported by high levels of rights and protection – and with greater access than ever before to quality, affordable products and services."

A spokeswoman for Abta travel trade organisation said: "Package holidays will continue to be covered by regulations which give holidaymakers the right to an alternative holiday, if available, or a refund in the event of changes caused by extraordinary circumstances."