Summer storms force EasyJet to cancel more than 100 flights
EasyJet has had to cancel more than 100 flights in the past 48 hours due to severe thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions.
The cancellations affected passengers traveling through London Gatwick Airport (LGW) on Sunday and Monday. The former saw 54 flights canceled, and the latter had 55 cancellations, alongside a slew of delays.
It is estimated that the canceled flights have affected more than 15,000 passengers, many of whom were embarking on early summer vacations in Europe.
The disruptions came after severe thunderstorms plagued the Gatwick area, impeding the smooth flow of arrivals and departures. As a result, flights to various popular destinations, such as the Canary Islands, Turkey and Greece, were canceled. This extensive disruption has had a cascading effect, with aircraft and crew members later being out of position for subsequent flights.
Related: Everything you need to know about flying EasyJet
A spokesperson for EasyJet apologized for the disruption.
“We are doing all possible to minimize the impact on our customers, providing those on canceled flights with options to rebook or receive a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals where required," the spokesperson said. “The safety and wellbeing of customers and crew is EasyJet’s highest priority, and while this is outside of our control, we would like to apologize to customers for the inconvenience caused.”
Passengers are advised to check with the airline before departing, as there are more weather-related issues in the forecast.
Weather conditions are deemed beyond airlines' control, so affected passengers will not be entitled to compensation under the EU261 regulation. However, in compliance with the regulation, the airline you’re traveling with should ensure that affected passengers get rebooked on alternative flights at no extra cost. They should also provide meal vouchers and hotel accommodations when necessary.
“Due to unsettled weather conditions and thunderstorms across the south of England and Europe yesterday, temporary air traffic restrictions were put in place, which resulted in some flights being delayed and canceled," a spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said. “London Gatwick apologizes to passengers for any inconvenience. Further thunderstorms are expected today, so passengers should contact their airline for further information.”
Adding to passenger woes, the fast train services on the Gatwick Express have been temporarily suspended for urgent track repairs. The service is not expected to run until at least Tuesday, although other train services are available.
Related: Flight and rail options for traveling in Europe
Bottom line
Severe weather conditions have led to significant flight disruptions and cancellations for EasyJet passengers at London Gatwick Airport.
When weather-related disruptions are outside the airline's control, passengers cannot claim EU261 compensation. However, if you find yourself affected by these disruptions, know that you should get booked on the next available flight and receive food vouchers and hotel accommodations in certain situations.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.