Flight cancelled, can I insist they book me on a different airline

peopleiknow1

We have booked flights on easyJet, Manchester to Venice return -  23/10 to 27/10.

easyjet have cancelled the return leg due to industrial action.

They have offered us an early flight (same day) via Paris, with a 5 hour stop over.

Can we insist they book us seats with another air that has direct flight to Manchester?

eskbanker

You don't have the right to insist but can ask - if they've offered you an alternative flight on the same day then that's likely to be considered adequate, even though it's a slower one.

The CAA offers guidance at Re-routing in accordance with Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 261/2004 (caa.co.uk)

Edit: actually 4.2 and 4.3 of that document would effectively suggest that the CAA recommends direct flights on other airlines before indirect flights, so it may be possible to construct an argument that a direct service on another airline should be offered.

TELLIT01

The other element of this one is when the first available direct flight would be, and when the offered alternative leaves and the OP would finally arrive.  I agree a direct flight would be preferrable, but if that means waiting several hours for that flight which is preferred?

steve1500

Too add, if there is a 5 hour layover you are very likely to be in compo land Check out the CAA guidance referred to above