Holidaymakers still waiting for volcanic ash cloud compensation

Thousands of British holidaymakers are still awaiting compensation from airlines for the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud that closed European airspace for several days in April and May earlier this year. Some claimants have been told that they will have to wait till February 2011 to receive compensation.

Meanwhile, some holidaymakers have received compensation from airlines for the volcanic ash cloud incident, but some feel that they haven't been given a sufficient amount to cover the cost of food and accommodation that they had to pay out for when they were stranded abroad for several days.

Certain airlines, such as Ryanair and easyJet have recently reported good profits, which makes it even more frustrating for holidaymakers that have received low compensation for the volcanic ash cloud.

To compound people's frustration, Ryanair and Monarch have made it very difficult for holidaymakers to contact them. They have expensive phone lines, but if customers get through, they are then asked to either email or write in order to submit their volcanic ash cloud claim.

Some holidaymakers have been promised compensation by their airlines, but in spite of submitting their claims, and chasing them up, they are still yet to receive compensation.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has stepped in to try to ensure airlines offer sufficient volcanic ash cloud compensation, but as airlines aren't obliged to have a customer complaints department, some of their pleas are falling on deaf ears.

If you are a holidaymaker that is having trouble seeking compensation for the volcanic ash cloud incident, you can contact the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) for help. Call them on: 020 7240 6061, email them at: [email protected] or write a letter to: Air Transport Users Council, CAA House, 45-59 Kingsway, London WC2B 6TE.

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