Passengers Still Stranded

While the world media is now ignoring the effects of the Icelandic volcano eruption, the chaos it has caused is still being experienced around the world, as stranded passengers find themselves in a true life nightmare.

According to statistics, 10,000 are in Egypt and 13,000 are waiting to get back from the U.S to the U.K., while a further 2,500 are in Thailand and 2,000 in Malaysia. An extra 7,500 are dispersed around globe. Many have been instructed by airlines to claim their costs back once they have arrived home and have been refused airline vouchers.

Numerous travelers have run short of funds and are forced to live under blankets in airports. Others have made use of families and friends, trying to pay for hotels. Passengers who made other travel arrangements to get home, such as by train or ferry, may not be entitled to compensation from the airlines. All they will be refunded is the unused plane fare.

It has been reported that some aircraft have flown back to the United Kingdom only half full, as airlines increase the seat prices. A spokesman for British Airways said the raised fares were a 'technical' mechanism to ensure the seats remain unused and available to stranded passengers. BA denied it was allowing planes to operate half booked. "We have been doing everything we can to ensure that the aircraft are full when they depart for the UK."

BA says that there are incidents where the customers do not turn up for flights, or cancel off their bookings at short notice.

Sliim Kalas, the European Union Transport Commissioner, declared a pledge had been made of state support to airlines disrupted by the total flying ban. It will however be individual governments and their taxpayers who will pick up the cost of damages.

Although airlines may be able to participate in the 2 billion pound compensation package, the airlines are angry that under the EU rules they are reliable to pick up the accommodation tab for stranded passengers.

Following hard on the heels of the economic downturn, many travelers are facing real difficulty. One traveller stranded with his family in Disney Land says, "We are barely able to survive. Having borrowed heavily from my family and friends, stuck here not able to work, this extended family holiday could force me into bankruptcy".

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