The UK Civil Aviation Authority has served up essential advice for the millions set to take to the skies during the festive period. With passenger numbers forecasted to match and even outstrip pre-pandemic figures, it’s crucial travellers wrap up their knowledge of their rights alongside their gifts this year.
Last December saw nearly 11 million people departing from UK airports to reunite with family, soak up some winter sun or hit the slopes. However, this December could see an even greater flurry at check-in desks, prompting the regulator to launch its ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.
Overflowing with guidance on making savvy bookings, packing effectively, and understanding entitlements when faced with flight disruptions, the CAA’s festive travel guide comes complete with snappy animated explainers on social media channels.
Selina Chadha, director of the Consumer and Markets Group at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Flying abroad during the festive season is a tradition for millions across the UK. While the aviation industry is dedicated to ensuring smooth journeys, disruption can sometimes occur.
“We strongly encourage passengers to familiarise themselves with their rights before heading to the airport, so they feel confident and well-prepared to address any unexpected challenges.”
The regulator has revealed its top six seasonal tips for passengers:
- Check before you take off to make sure you are aware of your airline’s specific policies regarding lithium batteries, as they can pose a serious fire risk.
- Watch out if you are travelling with Christmas or New Year party materials that contain explosives or other dangerous goods. Party poppers are banned from being flown in aircraft, while Christmas crackers can be carried but must be in their original packaging.
- Make sure you know in advance that if your flight is delayed for whatever reason your airline should look after you – this can include providing food and drink depending on the length of delay, as well as accommodation if you are delayed overnight.
- Be aware that if your flight is cancelled you should be offered a choice of a refund or alternative travel arrangements at the earliest opportunity, or an alternative date suitable for you. This can include flights on other airlines.
- Think ahead and check your baggage allowance and contents in advance to avoid unexpected fees or having to give up personal goods at the airport.
- Know that lost or damaged luggage is the responsibility of the airline and the amount of compensation you could receive will depend on the value of items lost or damaged, but subject to limits set by international laws.
UK Civil Aviation Authority Christmas tips
Carrying gifts and festive items with lithium batteries or that contain explosives
- Pack carefully when transporting lithium batteries. Found in items like vapes, mobile phones, and power banks, they can pose serious fire risks if damaged. Any power banks or spare batteries must be in a cabin bag. Passengers can only carry a maximum of two extra batteries. Carrying these items in your cabin bag helps ensure a quicker and smoother screening process.
- Before you take off, make sure you are aware of your airline’s specific policies regarding lithium batteries. Different carriers may have slight variations and most passengers will also receive an email from their airline before they fly that sets out what they can pack and where.
- Passengers may also be travelling with Christmas or New Year party materials or gifts that contain explosives or other dangerous goods such as lithium batteries. For the UK that includes party poppers and Christmas crackers. Party poppers are banned from being flown in aircraft, while Christmas crackers can be carried but must be in their original packaging.
- Devices containing lithium batteries should be carried in hand luggage. However, if they are carried as checked baggage, they must be completely switched off to prevent unintentional activation or damage. If in doubt, check the advice available on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
Your rights when your flight is disrupted
- If your flight is delayed your airline should look after you – this can include providing food and drink depending on the length of the delay, as well as accommodation if you are delayed overnight.
- If your flight is cancelled you should be offered a choice of a refund or alternative travel arrangements at the earliest opportunity, or an alternative date suitable for you. Alternative travel arrangements at the earliest opportunity can include flights on other airlines, and the airline should look after you until your new flight departs.
- If the airline fails to look after you or does not offer you suitable alternative arrangements and you still want to travel, you can make your own arrangements and reclaim your costs from the airline. Make sure you keep receipts and do not spend more than you need to.