‘Know your rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights' warn transport chiefs over busy summer travel period

The Irish Sun

23-06-2025

TRANSPORT chiefs have warned that holidaymaker's should know their rights when it comes to "delayed or cancelled flights" this summer.
As the busy
1
Travel pros have given their top tips ahead of the busy summer season
Credit: Getty Images
The transport chiefs have released a set of tips for anyone heading off by air, sea or public transport over the coming months.
Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council, Michelle Kelly, said it's especially important to plan ahead during the busy
She said: 'It's best to plan ahead during this busy period. Be it unexpected disruption to flights or sailings due to extraordinary circumstances or delays for any reason, knowing your rights ahead of travel can help.
'We are also reminding consumers of the importance of checking airline policies well in advance such as cabin bag allowances to avoid extra costs at the airport.
READ MORE IN TRAVEL
'We have chosen our 2025 summer travel tips based on our communication with consumers over the past year.
"Hopefully, our tips will help travellers avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.'
Their summer 2025 tips are based on what consumers struggled with most last year, from surprise costs to last-minute panic over
The first tip from the Consumer Council is to know your rights - especially if your flight or sailing is delayed or cancelled.
Most read in The Irish Sun
There are specific protections in place for travellers under
The second tip is to book with flexibility in mind, even if it costs a bit more.
'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine
Kelly said that while flexible tickets or
Next on the checklist is to check your passport early and don't leave it to the week before your holiday to realise it's expired.
Some countries require a certain amount of validity left on your passport before you're allowed to enter, and passport renewals can take weeks.
If you or someone you're travelling with needs special assistance, such as wheelchair support or help boarding, the Consumer Council stresses that this must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
The Council also recommends checking airport parking charges and pre-booking parking if you're driving to the
Some car parks near terminals charge high fees for last-minute arrivals, but booking online in advance often comes with big savings.
Another step is to get travel insurance as early as possible, ideally from the moment you book as Kelly said it means you're covered if an illness or disruption affects your plans.
'It is not a replacement for travel insurance'
And for those travelling within the EU, it's ideal to apply for a Global Health Insurance Card which can provide access to necessary healthcare in Europe at reduced cost.
Kelly said the GHIC is handy for peace of mind, but still urged travellers to ensure their private insurance covers everything from cancellations to
The Consumer Council is also advising travellers to keep an eye on travel updates from their airline, airport or ferry provider.
Unexpected delays, strikes or weather-related issues can cause major problems, so staying informed can give you a head start if needed.
For those using
Another common pitfall for airline passengers is not knowing the hand luggage rules, which vary from one airline to another.
Some carriers allow only one small cabin bag, while others charge for extra items like handbags or laptop cases and airport staff often enforce these limits strictly.
It's also important to check airport security procedures, especially rules on carrying liquids as not being prepared can slow you down or lead to items being confiscated.