Travellers jetting off face numerous potential hurdles at airports, with passengers being advised to familiarise themselves with their rights amid disruptions to guarantee they receive their full entitlements from airlines.

Conflict in the Middle East has sparked worries about a possiblejet fuel shortage. This has already prompted certain cancellations and timetable alterations during the summer months for leading carriers, though passengers remain anxious that additional flights and holidays might yet be affected.

When it comes to delayed flights, compensation eligibility typically hinges on the duration of the delay and its underlying cause but with cancellations, passengers have a few more automatic entitlements.

UK law around cancelled flights generally covers airlines departing from or landing in the UK, plus flights touching down in the EU operated by UK carriers. According to this legislation, your airline has to offer you 'care and assistance' should your flight be cancelled.

This can include:

• Reasonable amount of food and drink, usually vouchers


• Means to communicate, such as refunding the cost of phone calls


• Accomdation if your replacement flight is the next day


• Transport to and from the accommodation or your home if you're able to return

The UK Civil Aviation Authority states: "The airline must provide you with these items until it is able to fly you to your destination, no matter how long the delay lasts or what has caused it."

When flight cancellations occur, airport personnel may find themselves overwhelmed while attempting to arrange this support for all affected travellers. Under these circumstances, passengers may be able to organise their own reasonable care and assistance before reclaiming expenses afterwards.

The CAA advises: "If you end up paying for things yourself, keep every receipt and do not spend more than is reasonable. Airlines are unlikely to refund you for things like luxury hotels or alcohol. Some will provide guidance on reasonable costs."

If your flight is cancelled, your airline must let you choose one of two options under UK law:

• Receive a refund for the parts of the journey you haven't used


• Choose an alternative flight

When a flight is cancelled with fewer than 14 days' notice, passengers may qualify for compensation provided the airline is deemed at fault. Circumstances such as severe weather conditions, staff industrial action or 'extraordinary circumstances' are excluded.

Such compensation can vary from £110 to £520 based on your destination and the duration of the delay.