TRAVEL
Make sure you ask for a copy of your medical
report, as well as any medical receipts for your
claim. Often insurance policies require you to
contact them before treatment starts. You should
also get another check-up when back in the UK, as
once you settle you can’t usually go back for more
compensation if you later realise you are still
suffering.
Keep a diary: It’s important to keep a daily
diary highlighting how your issues impacted your
holiday, as this will ultimately affect how much
you can claim back. For example, if you were
bedridden for the entire holiday it might be
reasonable for you to get a full refund, whereas if
it only reduced your enjoyment for a small part of
the holiday, then your reasonable compensation
will be less.
Get witness support: It’s wise to take
down names and addresses of other guests who
witnessed your accident / situation or have
suffered the same problems as you. Your claim
will be even stronger if other people are prepared
to back you up and make a statement.
Record your expenses: Be it a taxi fare to
the hospital, medication or phone call to someone
at home, keep a log of all expenses and receipts.
You may be able to claim these back if they are a
direct result of the breach or failings of the holiday
company.
Stay strong: Don’t feel obliged to accept a
small token of compensation if you feel you have a
strong case. Remember you have rights and are
entitled to a fair deal!
Delayed flights: If you're travelling with an
airline based in the EU or with a non-EU based
airline flying from an EU airport, then you have
certain protections and rights under EU
Regulations. The airline has an obligation to offer
you help and possibly compensation if your flight
delay is expected to go beyond a time of 2-3 hours
depending upon the length of your flight. If the
airline can prove the delay was caused by
‘extraordinary circumstances’, then no
compensation is payable. Extraordinary
circumstances are situations outside the control of
the airline e.g severe weather. Keep a record of
flight numbers, times and the reasons claimed for
any delay.
UPGRADE
BABY
If you’re looking for a
cheeky upgrade then
travel search site
Momondo.co.uk have
a few
recommendations.
Q Choose a
regional hub
Firstly, fly from a
smaller airport, as
you are less likely to
get an upgrade from
a larger airport,
especially if that
airport is your
carrier’s main hub.
Q Don’t fly in
the week
Next, choose
weekends to travel,
which naturally
attract less business
travellers, leaving
the premium cabins
with more free
seats.
Q Join the club
If you aren’t a
member of a
frequent flyer
scheme then join
one. Points can
easily be turned into
upgrades.
Q Dress smart,
look sharp
Many people also
recommend
dressing smartly on
the day, to get
upgrades.
Q You got mail
Getting closer to
departure, flyers
should check their
emails too, as many
airlines may offer
heavily reduced
upgrade offers prior
to boarding.
Q Be an early
bird
Check in early, as if
the plane is
oversubscribed,
your chances of
being upgraded rise,
if the flight is
overbooked.
Q Talk nuptials
Lastly, mention the
wedding! Airline
staff are renowned
to offer new brides
and grooms
upgrades and even
complimentary
champagne on
board, to help
celebrate their big
day.
Q What if that
didn’t work?
Hansen continues:
“If travellers are
cheeky, they can
also cheat their way
to a good seat on
board the plane,
without paying for
an upgrade.”
THEGAYUK | ISSUE 16 | NOV 2015 75