easyJet has updated its advice for passengers on what to do if their flight is cancelled or delayed, as hundreds of flights face disruption due to strike action in Portugal. The new guidance comes ahead of the October half-term holiday and affects flights from Lisbon, Porto and Faro airports, all served by easyJet from Manchester Airport. The airline also operates flights from these destinations to Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
What easyJet says about the strike disruption
Around 500 flights are set to be impacted by the strike action in Portugal. easyJet said: "We are sorry for the impact the unnecessary action will have on our customers, and are doing all we can to minimise disruption, including cancelling two return flights from Manchester in advance to allow our customers to rearrange their travel plans."
When asked whether any flights between Portugal and Liverpool would be delayed or cancelled, a spokesperson said "no flights to and from Liverpool have been impacted" by the strike action.
Your options if your flight is cancelled
If your flight is cancelled, you can request several options by logging into your easyJet account online. These include:
- Switch to another flight for free: easyJet said: "On Manage Bookings you'll be able to book seats on the next available flight. If there are no direct flights available, you can also search for flights to or from nearby airports within the same country or indirect flights on the easyJet network. Your checked luggage allowance will remain the same and we'll apply this to your new flight."
- A voucher: You can choose a voucher for the full value of your booking. The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
- A refund: You can get a refund for the full value of your booking, paid to the account you made the booking with.
- Overnight accommodation: If the next available flight is not until the following day, easyJet can offer a hotel room for the night.
- Other transport: If no flights are available within 24 hours, you can transfer to another airline, take a train, bus, or hire a car to complete your journey.
What you get for delayed flights
For delays, easyJet provides refreshment vouchers to the value of £6, depending on the length of the delay. You are entitled to vouchers if your flight is delayed by two hours for flights up to 1500km (e.g., London to Zurich) or by three hours for flights over 1500km (e.g., London to Dubrovnik).
If the delay is longer than five hours, you can change your flights for a later date subject to seats being available, or cancel your delayed flight and apply for a full refund. If the delay means you cannot depart until the following day, easyJet can arrange overnight accommodation.
