Volcanic eruption: what are the rights of the consumer?

The news about the Icelandic volcano eruption came unexpectedly. All over the world, especially in Europe, flights were cancelled because of the potentially dangerous ash cloud. Thousands of travelers got stuck in the airports.

Were you one of them? And you want to know what your rights are? Then read this summary below carefully.

• Airlines will refund or rebook your flight. They also have the duty to pay your hotel and provide you with food and drink(s).
• Some of the travel insurances cover the costs, others don’t because this is a natural disaster. It depends on what is written in their policy. It is recommended to contact your insurer to find out if you are covered or not.
• These are circumstances beyond one’s control. It isn’t the employer’s or the employee’s fault. If you aren’t able to get to work, the employee may take extra paid vacation or unpaid leave.

For more detailed information:

http://www.which.co.uk/news/2010/04/iceland-volcano-what-are-your-rights-211663?src=rss156452

I recognized the situation of the stranded people immediately. Two years ago my boyfriend and I went to London. At that time there was a fire in the Eurotunnel and we couldn’t go home. No one of the employees of Eurostar was able to give us the right information about when and how we could return. We decided to make the best of it and searched a hostel and a way to return which wasn’t evident. Finally we stayed two extra nights and we returned by bus (Eurolines) and ferry.

After this adventure we sent a registered letter to Eurostar. Unexpectedly they repaid the extra nights and the Eurolines and Eurostar return tickets! They also offered us two one-way tickets from Brussels to London.

I hope that the stranded travelers will be as lucky as we were!

By Liesbeth Alliet