to think that it's not the government's responsibility to rescue stranded holidaymakers?

[wannaBe]

I understand why the government are doing it and I think that it's good that they are trying to help.

But tonight I was listening to a report on people who went to somewhere on the spanish coast to get on a boat, and when the boat was full, there were people being interviewed saying "well the government should be doing more, this is just not good enough" etc etc.

Thing is, this is just unfortunate - it's not the government's fault that there's dust in the atmosphere and that people can't get home.

And while it's inconvenient, sometimes, these things just happen. And nobody died or is dying.

And they'll all get home eventually.

why should other taxpayers pay? I cant afford a holiday and i'm not paying for someone elses, sorry. - well said Riven!

I agree!

Have these people never heard of credit cards and insurance. If I was in that situation I would use my credit card to pay for any unexpected expenses and then try to claim back from insurance when I returned.

Its no one's fault!

It isn't anyone's fault, but the insurance companies are not paying up in many cases. Those who bought insurance thought they were doing all they could, but obviously didn't check the small print for volcanic eruptions...silly them eh. I don't think many of us could scrape up thousand of pounds (whether that is paying off credit cards or whathaveyou) without a level of disruption or discomfort. Do I think they deserve a little empathy. I know I;d have been sobbing my eyes out if we'd had to cough up £5k to get DH home. Especially as if his flight had been cancelled, he'd have been offered the next available flight. This was looking like 3rd May. He COULD not have been away for that look, he would have encountered serious work problems. But if he had declined that offer and bought his own, he would not have been able to claim that cost from many insurance companies because he could in theory have taken the offered flight.

It is also worth noting that some airlines and insurance companies have (apparently) been going against regulations in some of what they have been declining.

There is no denying that some people have been irrational and unreasonable. But many will have been genuinely hugely inconvenienced both financially and otherwise. They are entitled to a little moan and perhaps a little empathy. I don't go on foreign holidays but am not bitter about that, to refuse sympathy to someone in genuine hard times because we couldn't have afforded their holiday isn't how I work. If we were talking a couple of days as an unusual case then that is one thing, but to have over 150,000 people stranded is quite another. And to be told that you can't get home for weeks is very hard.

I am NOT saying that I think that the government should pay up etc etc, I don't think that at all.

Why are these people short of money do you mean to say they don't travel with contingency plans and only take enought to last the exact time of there hols how daft is that? Not the governements responsibility. DH stuck in NZ but managed to find a seat he didn't wait for help he got off his butt and due home SAturday. How can you be stranded in europe haven't they heard of buses trains ferries? PLEASE!

Interesting that Michael bastard O'Leary (RyanAir) is bleating about it being unrealistic to compensate passengers who've got tickets for 8 Euros, hundreds more for food/accommodation.
What he's conveniently forgetting to mention is that, whilst they might have spent 8 Euros on the ticket, they will also have spent much more on hidden fees and taxes. RyanAir are no cheaper than anyone else, once you tot all the extras up. The main difference is that BA etc.. are more likely to help if there's a problem.
I think O'Leary has shot himself in the foot with this. He's shown his true colours and I think - hope- people will vote with their feet when booking flights in future.

'They are entitled to a little moan and perhaps a little empathy.'

No one's entitled to anything, really.

They can moan for Britain, it doesn't mean they're owed anything.

If going abroad and getting stuck, for whatever reason, is going to cost you seriously in your work or livelihood or cause severe financial disruption because you're not covered by a company insurance policy, then you either find a more comprehensive policy to cover you, save up a contigency fund (a wise policy for any emergency), or holiday in the UK.

Simples.

'I think O'Leary has shot himself in the foot with this. He's shown his true colours and I think - hope- people will vote with their feet when booking flights in future.'

They haven't, even though he's already gotten permission to charge people to use the loo on his planes.

They want the cheap flights.

And if they're not any cheaper than anyone else, well, people are still flying with them in droves.

You get what you pay for.

I fail to see why airlines should compensate for acts of nature, either.

I suppose these airline companies carry insurance to deal with this, though.

Well said expat. DH on business but both of us selfemployed so it hurts both ways for us ( and probably for many more).. Unfortunately people want it all ways cheap hols, cheap flights and when things go wrong someone else to clear it up. heard of one chap who can't fly home as he won't accept downgrade to economy from Aus. Diddums!

I am so relieved I wasn't stranded with Ryanair TBH. can you imagine trying to call them? UGH......

But agree, why should airlines foot the bill? Its not their fault!!!

Its GOD innit

DH on flight yippee some others have been quoted 10th may to leave NZ. Feel very sorry for them but as you say Riven let's put this in perspective!

why shouldnt your holiday insurance cough up for it. After all it for delay on deparure...why cant it be delay on return. These insurance companies are coining it in and if you read the small print you are covered for diddly squat!

If DH had got to Rome as plan at one point he would have been left to own devices, insurance wouldn't cover it. always best to read small print can always ask for extra cover. have to say must have had good policy as already had 2 1/2 hours in dentist chair with absyss whilst out there and completely covered. Best thing is people not to admit that delayed by ash when booking extra journey. rididculous quotes being sent around about 300% increases sure if you just said changing itinerary wouldn't get so ripped off

it is the insurance companies who should pay, not the govt (read taxpayer, us) and not the airlines.

if people take out basic travel insurance that doesn't cover for these things then that is their risk

maybe no insurance policy covers things like this, unlikely imo. everything is insurable if you are willing to pay.

we still have a few away from school, bet they're loving their extended break! they haven't rushed back!!