Brits could save thousands by booking a package holiday this summer (Image: Getty)
Money saving expert Martin Lewis, has just shared one key tip for booking summer holidays this year amid a rise in concerns over cancelled flights. The global jet fuel crisis has introduced new anxieties for the millions of Brits booking trips abroad this year. But, with this one key trick, Brits can enjoy a stress-free trip without the worry of losing hundreds or even thousands of pounds if flights are cancelled.
On the Martin Lewis Money Show Live, the expert said that booking a package holiday generally means that, if a flight is cancelled, customers can receive refunds for everything else too. Amid heightening flight concerns, package holidays add an extra layer of security.
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Martin Lewis confirmed knock-on costs are ‘potentially at risk’ if booked separately (Image: Getty)
He said: “If you have booked a package holiday, where you booked everything in one, and under the Package Holiday Regulations and rules and protections, generally, if your flight went, you will get everything back.”
The money saving expert was asked on his show whether customers will definitely receive a refund, even for a hotel booking, in the case of flight cancellations generally. His response was clear, as he said: “No, no – and this is what I think people need to be very aware of.”
He went on to explain the risks that come with DIY bookings: “Because the point is, if you lose your flight in your DIY booking, there is nothing wrong with your hotel. The issue is you can’t get there. Your hotel is still there. It’s not faulty. It’s not cancelling. So you don’t get those consumer rights.”
Some travellers might assume that credit cards and travel insurance will ensure customers protection but, according to the expert, this is not the case.
“[Credit card insurance] won’t work,” he explained, “because there is nothing faulty – and that’s just giving you the same rights that you’d have with a retailer.”
Mr Lewis added that the same goes for travel insurance after the expert checked 40 policies.
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“Of those, only a few would have covered you for the knock-on eventuality of your flight being cancelled due to jet fuel, and then your hotel costs. Only about three or four – most of those were packaged bank accounts where it is linked to your bank account. Only one standalone provider. So we need to be blunt: at the moment, there is a big risk in those circumstances.”
The expert warned that, amid jet fuel concerns, people’s hotel and other knock-on costs are “potentially at risk” if booked separately.
He advised that, if customers are booking separately, they choose something with “free or limited cancellation quite short before”, recommending travellers “talk to the provider and ask.”
He added that some providers may even kindly offer customers a voucher with an invitation to book a later date instead.
A spokesperson for travel experts Lapland Famille said: “With summer holidays here and fuel shortage fears adding uncertainty, travellers should keep an eye on the news and plan ahead. Don’t stop travelling – but be smart with how you book. Consider packaged deals where possible, and always check cancellation terms before you pay.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
