Easyjet Flight Cancellation

Fugazi247

Thanks everybody for their time and wise words!

I think tightauldgit has the nub of this: there were no flights out of Sharm for at least the next five days. No rep, no info other than an email. So in my view - replacement flight with Easyjet wasn't viable. I should have been told by Easyjet at that point that they have a responsibility to get me back even if this means another carrier and in those circumstances, I shouldn't apply for a refund (or indeed book for another flight with them in a week or so's time). They seem to have used those three options to limit their liability and responsibility. Replacement flight with them wasn't an option - and why would I apply for a voucher? I chose the only other option given to me after booking another carrier so that I could get home. That was clearly my ill-informed mistake!

Fugazi247

It also seems unfair that travellers with no help at a foreign airport have to 'hope' that when they have maxed their credit cards on accommodation and food to stay until the next Easyjet flight - that they will get that money back.

There seems to be no sanction for airlines to simply ignore the rules on providing proper options and information in these circumstances, together with vouchers and accommodation for the inconvenience. 

Fugazi247

CKHalvashi - I got this from eec.eu

What are my air passenger rights if my flight gets cancelled?

In the event of a flight cancellation, you are entitled to either a ticket refund, a return flight to the airport of departure or a replacement flight to your final destination (offered under comparable transport conditions). You should be offered a choice between these three options.

I think this means they are obliged to either reschedule a replacement flight even if it is a different carrier. I wasn't offered this choice. I had to find it myself so that I could get back to work.

CKhalvashi

Fugazi247 said:

CKHalvashi - I got this from eec.eu

What are my air passenger rights if my flight gets cancelled?

In the event of a flight cancellation, you are entitled to either a ticket refund, a return flight to the airport of departure or a replacement flight to your final destination (offered under comparable transport conditions). You should be offered a choice between these three options.

I think this means they are obliged to either reschedule a replacement flight even if it is a different carrier. I wasn't offered this choice. I had to find it myself so that I could get back to work.

Yes, the replacement flight OR a refund. Once the choice has been made the choice cannot be changed unless all parties agree, hence choosing the refund will lead to you receiving a refund and not alternative flights. You were offered an alternative that was not suitable for you, however you are also entitled to self re-route and claim for this later, a right that may have now been lost.

There is nothing in the law that states Easyjet can limit you to their own services so you'd have needed to wait until returning and then request reimbursement for your re-routing, giving receipts for your expenses.

I am someone who generally considers that if the law doesn't explicitly say you can't do something, it's generally ok to do it. The courts in this case agree with my interpretation.

As above, compensation will be treated differently.

Fugazi247

Quick update on this - I’ve now received a refund on the return leg of my flight, compensation of £520 for the cancellation and my expenses paid to get back via Air Cairo. They have deducted from the return flight cost I had to pay the amount they have already refunded me.

So all in all about £900. Exactly what I hoped for. Quite surprised and pleased.

Thanks everyone for your help and time. Best wishes