Volcanic Ash Questions!

[212456]

Hi,

I'm flying out on the 8th of July. I'm thinking of taking out the insurance with Direct Travel but I havbe a few questions. I am flying with flythomascook but have done everything indiviudally. I am staying onsite.

Say there is an ash cloud on the 8th, and my flight is cancelled, what actually happens?

If Thomas cook reshedule my flight for say 2 days later, will my disney reservation still hold? Can I just show up two days later? and basically lose 2 days of my holiday? What about car hire?

Sorry this might not make sense, just didnt think I would have to think about this until now

 

[Disneymad]

Experiences seemed to vary on how efficiently cancelled flights were handled before and I don't now how TC specifically handled the flight situation. Apart from Ryanair I don't think I heard any particularly bad press about any of the airlines though so hopefully they'll look after you somewhat.

With regards to Disney, as you booked direct you'd definitely need to contact them. I believe the standard policy is to hold your reservation until 11am the day after your arrival date, at which point the reservation is automatically cancelled, regardless of whether it's pre-paid or not. The few instances I heard about how Disney handled the situation was very positive - the impression I got was they were bending over backwards to try and be helpful so basically I think as long as they're kept up to date with the situation you'll not have any problems with your reservation.

Carhire. I'm not sure what happens if you actually pre-pay as I've never done it that way before, but if you pre-book (ie just reserve your interest a car) then charges start at the point you pick it up, not when you said you you'd pick it up - if that makes sense! If picking up at the airport then I think obviously they'll be aware of the situation anyhow, but to be safe I'd say you would have contact them and let them know anyhow else they might just assume you'd cancelled your trip completely.

One big thing in your favour now. The longer the Ash Cloud situation continues for, the more efficient the various companies affected will become at handling it. If you do get delayed by the ashcloud on your trip then as long as you keep them all informed that you're still intending to travel they'll work with you.

Edit: Ps. Where are my manners - welcome to the DIS!