Volcano Ash - Package Holidays vs. DIY Holidays

The volcano eruptions in Iceland have highlighted, for many, first hand, the dangers of taking a holiday without the protection that comes with packaged holidays.

What are Package Holidays?
A package holiday is a holiday that is organised by a licensed tour operator (such as Topflight, Thomas Cook, Sunway etc.) and purchased from a travel agent or directly from the tour operator it self. Package holidays generally consist of your flights, transport from the airport to the hotel and your accommodation in the hotel.

What are DIY Holidays?
DIY holidays are holidays where the flights and hotel accommodation are booked directly with the airline or hotel by the holidaymakers themselves, usually online. As well as flights and accommodation, people can book airport transfers, car hire and travel insurance, therefore completely cutting out the travel agent.

Booked but flight is cancelled due to the ash

Package Holiday
If you have booked a package holiday where the flight has been cancelled, then you are entitled to either a refund for the full price of your holiday ( flights, accommodation, transfers etc. ). Most tour operators are also offering you a chance to rebook and travel on different dates.

DIY Travel
If you have booked your own flight and are travelling with an EU carrier, under the EU Denied Boarding Regulations you are entitled to a full refund for that flight only. But you may not get a refund for your hotel accommodation or transfer costs since this is down to the hotel or company you booked through.

Stranded abroad

Package Holiday
If you’re due to fly but your flight has been cancelled, then the tour operator is required to arrange replacement transport home when possible. Tour operators have an obligation to provide you with assistance while stranded abroad. This might include extending your stay at your original hotel, arranging alternative accommodation as well as providing you with meals until replacement transport has been arranged.

DIY Travel
All EU carriers must provide you with either a replacement flight or a refund for the journey not taken. If you chose a replacement flight that is expected to leave the day after the scheduled departure time, the airline has to provide you with accommodation and meals appropriate to the length of the delay. Unfortunately, non-EU flying from a non-EU country are not obliged to provide accommodation and meals, though you should ask whether they will help you voluntarily.

Remember all package holidays advertised on LateDeals.ie are fully protected :)