Once again a volcanic eruption in Iceland has caused disruption to flights across the UK. Here's what you need to know if you're meant to fly this week.
Will I be able to fly?
At the moment this depends entirely on when your flight is, where you're flying from and which airline you've booked to travel with.
Airports in Scotland, Ireland and Northern England have been affected with delays and cancellations thus far, but the ash cloud is predicted to spread south over the next couple of days. Its exact path will depend on weather conditions so it's going to be a case of waiting to see what happens and keeping your fingers crossed if you have a flight booked.
If it's of any reassurance, disruption is expected to be less extensive than last year.
The Civil Aviation Authority have since conducted extensive research into the affect of ash on aircraft and engine performance and have increased the air-ash density that they will permit planes to fly in.
That's not to say they are compromising on safety - they just have a better understanding of the risk ash poses to aircraft and have adjusted their recommendations accordingly.
If air-ash levels reach medium or high levels and airlines decide that they want to fly, they need to request permission from the CAA that it's safe before any of their flights are able to take off.
What should I do if I have a flight booked?
If you have a flight booked for departure within the next few days you should keep an eye your airline's website as it should be updated with information about cancellations and delays on an airport by airport basis.
Before you leave for the airport it's also worth contacting your airline directly to get confirmation that your flight is still scheduled to take off as planned.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
Package holiday flights
If your flights are booked as part of a package deal it's your travel operator's responsibility to arrange alternative transport, rebook your flights or give you a refund if the ash cloud prevents you from travelling.
You should contact your travel operator to find out whether they recommend you make the journey to the airport if you have booked to travel this week.
If you're stuck abroad then it's your travel operator's responsibility to get you home as soon as possible and to make the necessary accomodation arrangements while you're still overseas.
Standalone flights
If you booked flights directly with the airline you will be entitled to claim a refund or transfer your booking if the ash cloud stops you from travelling. This entitlement applies equally whether your flight is cancelled completely or is delayed by over 5 hours.
You're also entitled to claim a refund for the return leg of your journey if you're unable to make it to your destination because of a flight cancellation. However, this only applies if you booked your outward and homebound flights with the same airline.
If you booked these flights separately you'll need to contact each airline individually to request a refund. If the return flight is still able to go ahead it's possible that you won't be given to your money back so you'll need to look to your travel insurance instead.
If you're unable to make a connecting flight then you will be entitled to transfer your flight to an airport nearby. If this is not possible you should be offered travel home and be able to claim a refund from your airline or to rebook your flight for your later date.
Refunds must be paid within 7 days so you won't need to wait long to get your money back.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
If your flight is delayed your airline should provide you with meals and refreshments as well as two free phone calls or emails while you wait.
What can I do about hotel bookings and onward travel?
Your airline is not responsible for any loss if flight delay or cancellation means you are unable to make pre-booked hotel or onward travel reservations.
Instead you will need to contact the company that the booking is with directly to find out whether they will be willing to grant a refund or let you rebook. It's better to do this sooner rather than later as they're more likely to be lenient the more time you give them to resell any reservation you're unable to make.
Can I claim on my travel insurance?
Whether you'll be able to claim for the cost of missed bookings, or compensation for delay or cancellation from your travel insurance will be entirely dependent on the type of policy you have and the company it is with.
Many travel insurance companies will not pay claims resulting from disruption caused by volcanic eruption - some offer this type of natural event cover as an optional extra. However, some will pay out providing you took out the cover and made your booking before news of the volcanic eruption broke.
You need to check your policy terms and conditions to find out exactly what you're entitled to and contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible if you think you may be able to place a claim.
Will I get compensation?
It's unlikely that you'll be able to claim compensation from your airline for delay or cancellation as the current situation is beyond their control.
This applies even if you choose to make alternative travel arrangements as there are already EU enforced measures in place to ensure you don't go out of pocket.
