Storm Alicia in Spain: What Tourists Should Do When Flights Are Canceled.

According to The Sun: Travel warnings have been issued in Spain due to flooding caused by Storm Alicia. Read on to find out if you can cancel your holiday.

This powerful storm has caused significant damage in a popular resort town, where heavy downpours and severe flooding occurred.

UK tourists have received a rare warning of 'extreme danger'.

Up to seven flights scheduled to land in Alicante-Elche Airport have been diverted.

Additionally, 12 more flights at this airport have been canceled.

Delays have also been reported at Valencia and Murcia airports.

The government platform stated:

“Severe weather warnings are in effect today in Murcia and Valencia, including Alicante province.”

“Travel disruptions are likely. If you are in affected areas, follow the advice of local authorities and keep an eye on local weather forecasts.”

What Does This Mean for Your Holiday?

If you are planning to travel to Spain, it is advisable to contact your travel company or carrier.

They will be able to provide information on any changes to your flight status or cancellations.

If your flight is canceled, you are entitled to a refund.

If your holiday was booked as a package, you can also expect a refund.

You are likely able to cancel a package holiday for free if you cannot travel due to bad weather.

However, if you booked flights and accommodation separately, it is not guaranteed that you will get a refund for the hotel.

Consult your accommodation provider and explain the situation.

If you have travel insurance, the decision about reimbursement depends on the insurer.

Policies can vary, so it's worth checking the details.

Martin's Recommendations

Martin James is a leading consumer rights expert, television presenter, and journalist. Below he shares his top tips.

If you are traveling to Spain or areas affected by natural disasters, follow these three recommendations:

• Check the Foreign Office website for the latest advice.
• Contact your airline to find out if your flight has been canceled or delayed.
• If you still want to travel – and it's safe – your airline should offer you the next available flight, even with another company. Consider this in advance.

What If My Flight Is Delayed?

According to UK law, airlines are required to pay compensation if your flight arrives at your destination more than three hours late.

However, you are unlikely to receive compensation if the delay was caused by circumstances beyond the airline's control, such as weather.

Factors such as strikes by air traffic control workers or other 'extraordinary circumstances' also do not entitle you to compensation.

Some airlines may extend the definition of 'extraordinary circumstances', but you can contest this decision through the civil aviation regulator.

Flight Compensation Rules

What are my rights if my flight is canceled or delayed?

According to UK law, airlines must provide compensation if your flight arrives at your destination more than three hours later.

If you are traveling to or from the UK, your airline is required to offer you a choice – a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get a refund for the part of the ticket that you have not used.

So, if you booked a return and the outbound flight was canceled, you can get the full cost of the ticket back.

If the trip is essential and necessary, the airline is obliged to find you an alternative flight, even with a different airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline is not obligated to pay compensation if the flight was canceled due to reasons outside their control, such as extreme weather conditions.

Disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions, strikes by employees, or other 'extraordinary circumstances' do not entitle you to compensation.

Sometimes airlines may extend the definition of 'extraordinary circumstances', but you can contest this with the civil aviation regulator.

Will my insurance cover it if my flight is canceled?

If you cannot claim compensation directly from the airline, your travel insurance may reimburse you.

Policies can vary, so you should check the details, but a delay of eight to twelve hours generally means you are entitled to reimbursement from your insurer.

Make sure to obtain written confirmation of the delay from the airport, as the insurer will require proof.

If your flight is completely canceled, you are unlikely to receive any reimbursement from your insurance.