Martin Lewis has issued a warning for everyone planning to book holidays this summer. The consumer expert addressed concerns over potential jet fuel shortages and flight cancellations amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Package Holidays vs DIY Bookings
Lewis clarified that package holidays offer better protection. "If you have booked a package holiday where you booked everything in one, under the Package Holiday Regulations, generally if your flight went, you will get everything back," he said.
However, for DIY bookings where flights and hotels are booked separately, the situation is different. "If you lose your flight in your DIY booking, there is nothing wrong with your hotel. The issue is you can't get there. Your hotel is still there. It's not faulty. So you don't get those consumer rights," Lewis explained.
Travel Insurance Limitations
Lewis warned that only a few travel insurance policies cover the knock-on effect of flight cancellation due to jet fuel shortages. "Only about three or four – most of those were packaged bank accounts. Only one standalone provider. So we need to be blunt: at the moment, there is a big risk in those circumstances," he said.
Advice for Travellers
Lewis advised booking with free or limited cancellation options. "If you are booking, you want something with free or limited cancellation quite short before, so you could just cancel it. You should always talk to the provider and ask," he added.
A spokesperson for travel experts Lapland Famille said: "With summer holidays here and fuel shortage fears adding uncertainty, travellers should keep an eye on the news and plan ahead. Don't stop travelling – but be smart with how you book. Consider packaged deals where possible, and always check cancellation terms before you pay."
