UK holiday provider On the Beach has pledged to offer same-day refunds for customers whose flights are cancelled, ahead of an anticipated summer of disruption. The package holiday company stated that if flights are cancelled, it will either find an alternative flight or provide a full refund for the entire holiday, processed on the same day.
Under the company's 'Cancelled Flight Cover', refunds will be processed immediately to allow customers to book alternative travel plans. This comes as airlines across Europe reduce schedules due to rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. However, On the Beach noted that same-day refunds are dependent on the customer's bank policy.
Existing air passengers' rights rules already entitle travellers with flights departing from the UK or EU, or on British or European airlines, to be re-routed to their destination as close to the original schedule as possible, with meals and hotels provided for significant delays. On the Beach claims refunds from other suppliers can take up to 14 days.
Caspar Nelson, holiday expert at On the Beach, said: 'Holidaymakers deserve certainty, especially when disruption strikes. We’re proud to be the first package holiday provider to commit to same-day refund processing for cancelled flights.' Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, commented: 'I’m all in favour of companies issuing faster refunds... But it remains the case that we want our holidays – not our money back.'
