Flybe has sadly collapsed, all flights are cancelled. This article has been updated so this is what will happen if you are a Customer. Please keep calm, yes it will be inconvenient and frustrating but no need to panic. All Flybe staff have lost their jobs. It’s a very sad day.
Events like this often bring out the best in people and Companies.Already there are many posts on Twitter offering lifts to stranded Flybe staff. EasyJet are flying back crew free and are offering a ‘rescue fee’ for Flybe customers of £65 ins hold bag until the end of May . There is free travel for Flybe passengers and staff being offered by Great Western Railway, TransPennineExpress and Avanti West Coast, ou just have to show your booking details.
Flight only booking? Flybe flights are not covered by ATOL. This means that your booking is cancelled and it is up to you to get a refund and rebook.
Already on away and your Flybe flight back is cancelled? In theory you will have to sort out your return flight yourself, at your own cost. And claim the cost of your original flight from your travel Insurance, or if paid by credit card then they will refund. Some insurers will help arrange flights back. So ring them first. If not then use skyscanner or google flights and book your flights back.
There will be no repatriation like for Thomas Cook flights. Flight only bookings are not ATOL protected which means you will not be refunded by the CAA. Be flexible. You will probably have to fly to another Airport and make a connection. You will get home, maybe pre-warn work, schools etc and if you have airport car parking then let them know. Being irate, angry or annoyed will not change the situation, as it is out of your control. So relax and enjoy the extra time away HOWEVER you will have to pay for any additional expenses like hotel etc. Check with your insurance what is and what is not covered first.
Flight booking for the future? This will be cancelled and you will have to claim the refund either through your travel insurance or credit card. Then start looking for another. Check reward flight availability if you have Air Miles. Or use skyscanner or google flights or Jacks flight club for quick finds, then look for specific offers, deals and cashback. Be calm and methodical, try not let stress spoil the search. Maybe you will find a better deal.
What if I have to cancel my whole trip because my flights were cancelled? This could happen, if options to rebook dates aren’t suitable – maybe you have to be back at work or the kids back at school, or you have to be back for a hospital appointment. Or like us you were supposed to be going Bank Holiday weekend break where there’s no point going for 1 night! This is where you need to check your travel insurance is decent, you should be able to claim from them. You can find more information in our booking flights and hotels separately need to knows.
The most important thing to bear in mind is this – be prepared and deal with these delays, cancellations and upset as calmly as possible. The most important thing is to enjoy your holiday, no matter how it starts. Don’t let drama and rage spoil your well earned and much needed break.
How do I get my money back for the Flybe flight? If you booked by credit card, contact them – you have S75 protection and they will refund. If you booked by Debit card, you MAY be allowed a chargeback – contact them. ALWAYS book your flights by credit card where possible.
Can I get any extra compensation? No – you will get home and you will be refunded for your flight. EU Compensation laws do not cover Airline collapse. Many people will lose their jobs and the damage to the British Economy and local Communities will be large – Expecting compensation would be selfish.
What about additional costs. Additional costs such as new flights or travel arrangements, accommodation etc may be covered by your travel insurance. When you book flights and accommodation separately there are no set rules – it varies massively by insurance provider. Have a look at what you need to know.
How can I avoid this happening again? There are ways you can be prepared and there are signs that an Airline or holiday company is in trouble. Thomas Cook and Flybe both were expected. The Coronavirus will affect other Airlines. There have already been concerns about Norwegian Airs’ stability. If you have a booking with them then make a plan B now. ATOL gives you some protection if you book the package holiday. If you are booking flights and hotels separately then you need to plan and book smarter.
Always, always, always do these 2 things. Pay for your holiday / flight on a credit card. This gives you Section 75 protection, which means the credit card company will refund you. ( Also for Air Miles of course) and get decent travel insurance as soon as you book. For example, If you do not have travel insurance now then you cannot buy it today and be covered for any collapse, same with cancellations for the BA pilots strike. You are only covered for things that were not announced at the time of taking out the insurance.
What else do I need to know about flight cancellations? There are so many reasons for flight delays and cancellations from bad weather, mechanical failure or now Coronavirus. Have a read of our guide of to be prepared for flight cancellations and delays which also explains your compensation rights.
What about Air Miles? Look into Air Miles for future flights, I’ve done a beginners Guide. Apart from saving loads of money, If you have to cancel an Air Miles flight then there are no hefty cancellation or rebooking fees.
There are now 2000 staff who have suddenly lost their jobs, how would you cope with this sudden drop in income? I’ve done a guest post on how to prepare. How to take some of the financial worry away so you can deal with the shock and start rebuilding your world.
Have you been stuck at the airport? Let me know your story in the comments. What tips would you share?
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