More flexible rebooking options have been introduced by British Airways as airlines warned of flight disruption due to forecast snow and ice from the ‘Beast from the East’ winter storm.
The revised BA rules cover passengers due on short-haul flights to and from Heathrow and Gatwick until Friday.
BA cancelled more than 60 short-haul services yesterday and further disruption to airline schedules is expected as temperatures plummet.
The airline said: “We are sorry that the weather this week is likely to lead to some delays and disruption to our schedules.
“We have agreed with Heathrow Airport, National Air Traffic Services and other airlines to proactively reduce the flights schedules at the airport for several hours during the worst of the weather on Tuesday.
“We are keeping flights for later in the week under regular review depending on the latest weather forecasts we are receiving.
“We are aiming to publish any alterations to our schedules by 17.00 GMT the day before the flight.
“It is likely at times we will have to proactively cancel some services and re-book customers on to alternative flights.
“Customers on cancelled services can also claim a full refund if they no longer wish to travel.
“We are sorry for the potential disruption to your travel plans and are doing all we can to minimise the effect the poor weather may have on our flights.”
BA added: “If you are due to travel on a short-haul service between Monday 26 February and Friday 2 March, regardless of whether your flight is currently showing as operating or not, you can rebook your flight to a later date and travel on dates up to including Wednesday 21 March.”
EasyJet said: “Weather warnings have been released for snow and ice across our network and as a result we are expecting disruption to some of our flights.
“Please check our flight tracker for the latest update on your flight before travelling to the airport.
“We also recommend checking with your public transport provider if their service is affected, and leave extra time to get to the airport in time for your flight.”
Flybe said: “Adverse weather has been forecast over the next few days with the potential to impact travel across large parts of the UK, and in such weather, airports may either close temporarily or restrict the number of arriving and departing flights.
“Flybe, like every airline, has itself minimum acceptable weather conditions in which we can safely operate.
“Please be assured that we will be doing our best to ensure that flights will operate as normal, taking into consideration any adverse weather conditions.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our number one priority at all times.”
Scottish carrier Loganair said: “With cold temperatures and snow forecast widely on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Loganair is enacting its pro-active policy to enable customers booked to travel on those dates to change their reservations.
“Customers booked to travel on any Loganair flight throughout our network on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28 February or Thursday 1 March can change their booking to travel earlier or up to seven days later without charge, moving to any flight on which seats are available without the need to pay any difference in fare or change fees that would normally be applicable.
“If your travel plans can’t be moved, please rest assured that we are still aiming to operate all flights to our planned schedule on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“However, as the risk of disruption from bad weather is greater than usual, please do be prepared for the possibility that your flight may be delayed or disrupted.
“We strongly recommend that you visit the Loganair website for the latest flight information around your flight before setting off for the airport.”