Advice for UK Travellers During Snow Disruption

CHESTER, England, January 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

With snow and cold weather already causing disruption in some areas of both the UK and Europe and significant snow forecast for the weekend, travel comparison website, TravelSupermarket offers advice to those looking to travel over the coming days.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from TravelSupermarket, said: "Cold and snowy weather will undoubtedly result in some disruption at airports, delays and cancellations on the rail network and travel advisories on our roads this week. It's not ideal, especially when you're looking forward to your big getaway, but there are some tips that are worth bearing in mind to minimise disruption.

"If you have a flight booked, check with your airline and airport well before leaving home for any updates and advice on disruption to schedules. Alternatively contact your airline by phone and ensure it has your up-to-date contact details lodged in your booking. Many airports and airlines also use Twitter or Facebook to communicate with customers - these are updated in real time and are a good source for the latest news.

"If you have an early morning flight or are landing back into the UK late evening, it may be advisable to book an airport hotel in order to make your travelling experience more enjoyable.

"Rail companies also publish details of delays and changes to schedules online and you can log on to driving organisations such as the RAC or the Highways Agency for the latest road conditions. Local and national radio stations such as the BBC also offer up to the minute information.

"When travelling to the airport allow extra time for your journey - especially if you're travelling by road. It's a good idea to check beforehand that your car is in peak condition for the roads with topped up oil, fuel, anti-freeze and water as well as a supply of warm clothes, food and drink. Remember that if you miss your flight due to road conditions or the failure of public transport to get you to the airport, this is your responsibility and the airlines are within their rights to charge you for a new flight. Missed flight cover in a good quality travel insurance policy will be able to help with this."

What if my holiday flight is cancelled?

Bob continued: "If your flight is cancelled, the airline must give you the option of rebooking an alternative flight, or if there are no suitable flights you can request a refund.

"If you are delayed by two hours or more, your airline should also provide you with food while you wait and accommodation where appropriate.

"However, as weather conditions are out of the control of the airlines, they will not be liable for the cost of your onwards accommodation or any other arrangements you have booked ahead. Be aware of what your travel insurance policy offers in terms of assistance to claim back any costs incurred.

"For full details of the rules and regulations on delays and cancellations download an app called 'Your Passenger Rights' or check the CAA website which has comprehensive information."

Notes to editors:

About TravelSupermarket

TravelSupermarket is an online comparison service where customers can find the best value travel options for their needs and purchase over the internet. The website compares flights, car hire, hotels, cruise, package holidays plus dynamic packaging by searching hundreds of travel websites. The information supplied is unbiased and is designed to save the customer time and money.

The site thrives on offering its users accurate real time availability by taking information directly from suppliers such as Opodo, British Airways, Thomas Cook, First Choice, Radisson, Sol Melia, easyCar, Auto-Europe and many more, ensuring users are presented the best possible price at all times. It searches:

• Over 650 scheduled, low cost and charter airlines from 30 individual suppliers
• Over 370,000 hotels from 50 suppliers
• Over 200 individual car hire providers from over 20 suppliers
• 1,000s of individual package holidays from over 22 suppliers

Additionally, TravelSupermarket also compares prices on travel insurance and on airport car parking.

TravelSupermarket is part of the Moneysupermarket.com Group PLC.

http://www.moneysupermarket.com is a website where consumers can compare personal finance products, save money and apply online. The website has several service areas including personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, current accounts, savings accounts, motor insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, health insurance, mobile phones, broadband and shopping.

For more information please contact:
Emma Morris
PR Manager
+44-(0)1244-220-671
Emma.morris@travelsupermarket.com

Karla Winch
Brands2Life
+44-(0)20-7592-1200
karla.winch@brands2life.com

For broadcast requests:

Jo Candy
Lansons
+44-(0)20-7566-9733
joc@lansons.com