Which? seeks ‘cast-iron assurances’ over jet fuel contingency proposals

Consumer association Which? has called for “cast-iron assurances” that air passengers’ rights will not be weakened by proposals to give UK airlines greater flexibility if they face jet fuel shortages.

The government wants to allow airlines to consolidate schedules on routes where there are multiple flights to the same destination on the same day. 

It has said this would enable passengers to be moved to a similar service “much earlier”, reducing the risk of last-minute cancellations and the operation of “ghost flights”.

But Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, voiced caution over the proposals, which will feature in an industry consultation from Tuesday (May 5).

He said: “Millions of Britons will have already booked their flights for this summer, often paying over the odds for flights at peak times. 

“Existing rules already allow airlines to move customers to new flights so long as they give them more than 14 days’ notice and offer the choice between a new flight or a refund. It’s only for cancellations within 14 days that compensation is payable, rightly. 

“It’s not fair for the rules to now be bent in favour of airlines and potentially leave passengers holding the bill. Many passengers will understand that disruptions can occur and may be happy to travel a few hours or a day later, but for those on short trips or connecting flights it could mean the trip is no longer worthwhile.

“Before any changes are made, passengers need cast-iron assurances that their rights will not be weakened and that airlines cannot use reform as cover to shift the cost of disruption onto travellers.”