With over 25 flights cancelled last week, along with many rail journeys and road closures you should still claim refunds and ensure travel companies look after you in the event you are stranded.

Last week’s storm left many people frustrated after the Met Office issued a rare Red Alert with some people having to delay or cancel trips.

In most cases, no compensation is owed when storms cause disruption, as storms and severe weather are classed as 'extraordinary circumstances'.

But you still have rights and airlines in particular must look after you.

Make sure to keep receipts and take screen shots of delays or cancellation notices and always make claims in writing.

Storms can disrupt journeys but they don’t take away your consumer protection.

Knowing your rights can save you hundreds of pounds and a great deal of stress so don't be fobbed off.

If you are not happy, you can always escalate to Alternative Dispute Resolution schemes if necessary.

Airlines

Under UK air passenger rules, if your flight is cancelled you are entitled to a full refund or a re-route to your destination at the earliest opportunity, on another carrier if necessary,” says Jane.

In addition, the following should be provided: meals and refreshments, hotel accommodation if applicable, transport to and from hotel and access to calls/emails. These rights apply regardless of how severe the weather is.

If the airline cannot offer re-routing within a reasonable time, you can book alternative travel yourself and claim the cost back (provided it is reasonable).

Make sure you keep receipts, advise the airline of your actions and be aware that a claim could take a great deal of time to process and you may need to escalate it for resolution if it is initially rejected.

Rail travel

Most people in the UK are all too well aware that the weather often causes rail cancellations, delayed journeys and reduced services. But despite the fact it is almost inevitable that at least one of your journeys will not be on time, there are still laws which protect you.

If your train service is cancelled or delayed due to storms you can usually claim a full refund if you decide not to travel or use your ticket on another service.

If your train is delayed, you can usually claim compensation. Rules vary between companies, but many operators are signed up to the national Delay Repay scheme, which typically pays compensation regardless of reason, based on how long you’re delayed, starting at 15 or 30 minutes depending on the operator.

If delays or cancellations mean you can’t reasonably complete your journey the same day, the train operator should provide reasonable assistance. This could include alternative transport (such as taxis, replacement buses, or rerouting via another operator) or overnight accommodation if no onward travel is possible, plus transport to that accommodation.

“This expectation is set out in rail passenger rights and most train companies’ Conditions of Travel. Most large stations will have a contract with a local taxi firm so it’s worth speaking to the station manager.

Package Holidays

If you booked a package holiday (for example, flights and hotel together) you have extra protection under UK package travel regulations.

Check before you set out. If storms mean the holiday cannot go ahead safely you are entitled to a full refund or an alternative holiday of equivalent value.

If the weather causes a delay to your return journey, the holiday company must help with alternative arrangements, cover any additional accommodation costs often up to 3 nights and assist with return travel.

While you won’t usually get compensation for bad weather itself, support and refunds still apply.

Ferry journeys

Storms and rough seas can force ferry operators to cancel or delay sailings at short notice but if your ferry is cancelled or significantly delayed due to storms, the operator must offer you a choice between a full refund or re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity or on a later date if you prefer.

You cannot be forced to accept a voucher instead of a refund.

Where disruption leaves you waiting for an extended period or stranded overnight, ferry operators are also expected to provide reasonable care and assistance. This can include meals and refreshments, accommodation where necessary, and transport between the port and any overnight stay.

What’s provided must be proportionate to the situation but operators cannot simply leave passengers to make their own arrangements without support.

If disruption occurs part-way through your journey and the crossing cannot be completed, you are entitled to a refund for the unused part of the trip, alongside assistance with onward arrangements.

As with other forms of travel, keep all receipts and evidence of disruption if support is not offered at the time, and submit a claim to the ferry operator afterwards.

Insurance

I always advise people to take out insurance for important trips, but it’s important that you check what’s included rather than just go for the cheapest option.

If you go purely on price, it could end up costing you in the long run.
“Ensure when sorting travel insurance that you take out the most comprehensive cover possible as soon as you book your holiday. It is not just a simple box ticking exercise.

General exclusions on polices include adverse weather, force majeures and missed departures so always check the small print.


Consumer champion Jane Hawkes runs her website ladyjaney.co.uk