Snow UK travel chaos: What compensation can you claim for weather disruption?
AS snow and plummeting temperatures batter Britain hundreds of trains have been cancelled and flights delayed. We take a look at your compensation rights as the Beast from the East causes travel chaos across the country.
Commuters left in the SNOW outside Oxford Circus station
If your trains are cancelled
Many train operators have been running emergency timetables and cancelling trains.
If your rescheduled train is delayed by 15-30 minutes you could still be entitled to compensation.
It depends on the operator - but check on the National Rail website.
If the delay reaches 30 minutes you could claim back 50 percent, and if it’s over an hour you should be able to reclaim the whole cost.
If your flights are cancelled
Snow has been causing havoc for flights, and that doesn’t seem likely to stop with Storm Emma arriving on Thursday.
If the snow causes your flight to be cancelled, you have the right to demand a full refund or be sent home on a different flight.
If you opt to be rerouted but your new flight isn’t until the following day, the airline is duty bound to pay for a hotel and meals.
You will not be entitled to delay or cancellation compensation under EU rules because the snow is an extraordinary circumstance beyond the airline’s control.
It is important to note travel insurance rarely pays out if your flight is cancelled because of snow.
UK snow: You can get a full refund if your train is an hour delayed
You can be put on another flight if snow causes yours to be cancelled
If you suffer a power cut
If your power is cut for more than 24 hours you could be due compensation.
It depends on how the storm if graded by regulator Ofgem.
For example, if it calls it a category one storm you’ll be eligible for £70 compensation if you have no energy supply for a 24hour period. A further £70 will be paid for each additional 12 hours in which supply is not restored, up to a total of £700.
The compensation won’t be paid until your supply has been restored.
If you are snowed in, you have to make an arrangement with your employer
If you are unable to travel to work or are staying at home to look after children
If your work is open and you aren’t able to travel in, your employers don’t have to pay you - try to negotiate to work from home.
If your child’s school is closed because of the snow, you may have the right to take time off.
You should agree upon this with your employer.