Q&A: How will Gatwick airport’s summer flight reductions affect me?

theguardian.com:

Gatwick airport has announced it will reduce its summer capacity, after dozens of last-minute cancellations wrecked holidaymakers’ half-term travel plans. The announcement means airlines have to review their schedules, and could mean some passengers have their flights cancelled. EasyJet, which operates half of the slots, says it is reviewing the details.

The airline said it was continuing to review its schedules. Many passengers will have already been rebooked to new flights for the summer holidays with easyJet having cut 90 departures from Gatwick in the first week alone.

If your flight is cancelled, you have the right to choose between a full refund or being rerouted – this could be a new flight with the same airline or a different carrier. The airline should give you the chance to get to your destination on the same day. According to Gatwick, airlines are confident they will be able to rebook many of those affected.

You can claim compensation if you are told of a cancellation within 14 days of travel. How much depends on the type of flight, if you choose to take a refund and not travel, or on how much later your new departure and arrival are compared with your original plan.

For example, if you are rerouted by your original airline and the replacement flight arrives more than two hours later than you had booked, you are entitled to £220 compensation for each passenger for flights of up to 1,500km.

If an airline cancels at the last minute and you are forced to buy a new flight with a rival carrier, you can claim the cost of the replacement ticket. If your original flight was more expensive, however, you’d be better off requesting a full refund.

Be aware that airlines often refuse these requests, but you are entitled to the