European strikes: what to do if your flight is cancelled

The strikes across Europe, with tens of thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets to protest against austerity measures hitting public spending and services, have led to airlines cancelling flights to the continent. According to European law, travellers should be entitled to transfer to a new flight free of charge or apply for a refund from the airline if they booked directly. In some instances compensation should be offered. If you booked flights via a travel agent, you are advised to contact the agent directly about applying for a refund. If you arranged other services for your trip, such as accommodation, transport or car hire, you will need to make separate arrangements with the relevant service provider to amend or cancel these. Ryanair Passengers who were booked to travel on a flight cancelled due to strike action can transfer to the next available flight free of charge (Ryanair laid on extra flights to Belgium earlier this week) or apply for a refund on their unused flight at the airport ticket desk or online at the rebooking site . Customers who wish to cancel and claim a full refund on unused flights should apply online. Ryanair says refunds will be processed in seven working days. easyJet Travellers on flights cancelled due to the strikes in Spain have been offered the opportunity to change their flight date within five days free of charge or apply for a refund. If you booked your flight through easyJet.com you can visit the website and use the " manage my booking " facility. If you did not book through easyJet.com you will need to arrange for your flight to be rebooked at either the sales desk in your departure airport, or via its call centre, or contact the agent through which you booked your flights to arrange a refund. bmibaby Passengers wishing to rebook on to a new flight, free of charge, following a cancellation due to strike action are advised to contact bmibaby in the next seven days on 0844 2450055 (passengers calling from outside the UK should dial 0044 8458 101100). Passengers are able to rebook within 21 days of their original departure date. Passengers who do not wish to travel and require a refund, should contact customer services . British Airways If a flight is cancelled, BA advises you to rebook your flight or get a refund using its " Manage My Booking " facility. Flybe The airline says possible industrial action by workers in Italy today could disrupt services. Flybe passengers travelling on Flybe flights serving Birmingham and Manchester to and from Milan Malpensa should continue checking in as normal but can expect to experience some disruption. "Flybe will continue to do everything possible to minimise any such disruption resulting from the ongoing and continually changing industrial action in Europe and apologises for any inconvenience that may be experienced by passengers through these circumstances that are entirely beyond its control." It will post details on its website of how to arrange alternative flights or apply for a refund, should any of today's be cancelled.