Representative ImageBritish travellers are incurring the highest costs globally due to flight disruptions, according to a recent survey by AirHelp. The study, which surveyed nearly 2,000 passengers across the UK, Europe, the US, and Brazil, revealed that UK passengers lose an average of $735 (£603) per major disruption, significantly higher than the global average of $535 (£439).
The survey highlighted that 75% of UK travellers experience financial losses when flights are delayed or cancelled. Self-employed passengers are particularly affected, losing nearly $829 (£680) in potential earnings per disruption. Tomasz Pawliszyn, CEO of AirHelp, noted, “UK travellers are paying the highest price in the world for flight disruption, and the damage goes well beyond the bank balance.”
Stress was identified as a major issue, with 46% of UK passengers citing it as a bigger problem than financial loss. Additionally, 62% of respondents reported that airlines failed to inform them of their rights to compensation under UK261, a regulation designed to protect passenger rights.
The lack of information from airlines leaves many passengers unsure of their entitlements. Nearly a third of UK passengers were unaware of existing regulations protecting their rights, and 25% did not claim compensation due to a lack of awareness. Pawliszyn emphasised the importance of making passenger rights clear to ensure travellers can confidently claim what they are owed.
For further information on passenger rights and compensation eligibility, AirHelp encourages travellers to visit their website or download their app
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