Cancellations, supplements, hidden clauses and more expensive holiday packages. Here is the Codacons guide to understand what is due, how much and when and how to protect travel in 2026
Summer holidays increasingly amid uncertainties and cost increases. In a scenario marked by oil price increases, geopolitical tensions and possible reductions in flights, knowing your rights can make the difference between a saved holiday and thousands of euros lost. The alarm was raised by Codacons, who has prepared a guide to help consumers navigate rights, refunds, compensation and travel insurance, also in light of the new European guidelines on air transport.
Canceled flights: when refunds and assistance are due
Who organized a “do it yourself” holiday, by purchasing flights, hotels and tourist services separately, you enjoy precise protection in the event of flight cancellation. According to European regulations, the passenger has the right to choose between: full refund of the ticket; an alternative flight as soon as possible and re-routing on another flight at a later more convenient date. If the cancellation occurs when the traveler is already at the airport, the airline must also guarantee immediate assistance. This means meals, drinks, possible hotel accommodation and transfers to and from the airport. These are automatic rights provided for by the European regulation on air passengers and are valid even in the presence of disruptions linked to the current international instability.
Compensation up to 600 euros: when it is really due
One of the aspects that creates the most confusion concerns the difference between reimbursement and compensation. The refund concerns the cost of the unused ticket. Compensation, on the other hand, is additional economic compensation that can reach up to 600 euros per passenger. But be careful: compensation is not always due. The new indications from the European Union clarify that the right to financial compensation lapses when the cancellation depends on “exceptional circumstances”, i.e. events outside the control of the airline. These include, for example, fuel shortages. However, the case of companies that decide to cut flights for economic reasons linked to the increase in the cost of jet fuel is different: in this situation, according to Codacons, compensation can be requested. Another important point concerns fuel surcharges. The companies cannot apply increases after purchasing the ticket if the consumer has not expressly accepted this possibility at the time of booking. Otherwise, the surcharge may be considered illegitimate.
Do-it-yourself holidays: the risk of losing money if the flight is cancelled
The most delicate problem for those who independently organize the trip often concerns parallel bookings: hotels, apartments, excursions or car rentals. If the flight is canceled and the tourist is unable to reach the destination, it is not automatic to obtain a refund for accommodation facilities or other services already paid for. Much depends on the cancellation conditions set out in the contract or on the presence of a specific insurance policy. For this reason it is always necessary to check the reimbursement clauses of the structures; the penalties applied; insurance coverage included and any exclusions linked to conflicts or geopolitical crises. In the absence of specific protections, the real risk is that of losing the sums already paid.
Travel insurance: what they cover and when they don’t pay
And is travel insurance always recommended? The policies do not guarantee full coverage and often have significant limitations. The average cost varies between 3% and 8% of the total value of the holiday and can include: reimbursement of flights and hotels; coverage of penalties; cancellation of the trip; healthcare and baggage coverage. However, there are deductibles, limits and exclusions that are essential to read carefully. The simple fear of leaving or the fear linked to the international situation are not enough, for example, to obtain a refund. The reasons must be documented and fall within those provided for in the contract. Additionally, many insurance companies expressly exclude cancellations due to war, terrorism, civil unrest or geopolitical crises. Before signing up for a policy it is therefore essential to carefully check all the contractual conditions.
Holiday packages: more protection but possible price increases
The situation is different for those who purchase a tourist package through an agency or tour operator. In this case the Tourism Code guarantees greater protection. If the flight is canceled before departure, the traveler is entitled to an equivalent or superior alternative package at no additional cost. Or you are entitled to a lower solution with reimbursement of the price difference or a full refund if you decide to withdraw. However, if the problem occurs during the holiday, the organizer must find suitable alternative solutions without additional costs. However, the issue of price increases remains open. Due to the high cost of fuel, tour operators and organizers can apply increases of up to 8% of the cost of the package, but only if the increase is foreseen in the contract and is communicated 20 days before departure and is motivated by real changes in energy costs. If the price increase exceeds 8%, the consumer can cancel the contract without paying penalties.
