Extra staff kept on to assist passengers

Heavy rains, flooding and generally poor weather conditions caused a number of delays at Heathrow Airport on Friday July 20th during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. In an attempt to ease congestion at the airport, Heathrow's management staff was forced to ask passengers not to check in for their flights ahead of time.

The airport kept on extra staff to assist passengers get to their destinations after 141 flights departing from the airport were cancelled. The heavy rains and bad weather threw off the flight schedule for many airlines.

For those stuck at the airport, the cancelled flights was only the first of the bad news. In order to get another flight booked, passengers reportedly lined up in queues that wound outside the terminal building.

Although it's too late for the travellers caught in Friday's storm, passengers are reminded to confirm the time of their flights before leaving home. A flight that is cancelled can often be more easily rebooked on the phone from home. Some flights can also be rebooked through telephone operatives at the airport with a cell phone much faster than by waiting in line.

For those caught in the storm, European aviation regulations requie airlines to provide passengers with assistance while they rebook their tickets including complimentary phone calls, refreshments and sometimes accommodation. While the airlines are doing everything they can to rebook Friday's travellers, it seems unlikely any further compensation will be offered as the weather conditions are deemed outside the airlines control.


Follow these links to find out more or to get a quote on Travel insurance, Heathrow airport hotels, Heathrowairport parking or Heathrow airport lounges.



Jennifer Jones Editorial


22/07/2007


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