Volcanic ash travel havoc

A huge plume of ash thrown out of Eyjafjallajökull Volcano in Iceland on April 14 drifted east and caused airlines all over Europe to ground planes. Cargo shipments piled up in warehouses, and stranded travelers scrambled to find hotel rooms and make alternate arrangements. Flights resumed on April 21.

The immediate loss to airlines was more than $2 billion. In addition, airlines based in European Union countries must, by law, reimburse passengers not only for the difference in replacement-flight tickets but for housing and meal expenses incurred during the delay. Stranded passengers on airlines based outside of the EU are not eligible and will have to work out any claims with their carriers or travel insurance companies. Some credit card companies offer travel-delay coverage, also.

The US Tour Operators Association polled its member tour companies and found 80% said they would rebook missed trips and credit or refund travelers’ costs; 60% would offer credits toward future trips; 30% would provide refunds, and 20% were waiving cancellation fees.

The volcano continues to spew lava, with the possibility of more ash clouds.