As the holiday season approaches, we are encouraging consumers to plan ahead for summer travel. Whether you are planning to travel this summer via public transport, air, or sea, we have put together some useful tips to help take the stress out of travel and to save you money.

Head of Transport Policy at the Consumer Council, Michelle Kelly said:

“It’s best to plan ahead during this busy period. Be it unexpected disruption to flights or sailings due to extraordinary circumstances or delays for any reason, knowing your rights ahead of travel can help. 

“We are also reminding consumers of the importance of checking airline policies well in advance such as cabin bag allowances to avoid extra costs at the airport.

“We have chosen our 2025 summer travel tips based on our communication with consumers over the past year. Hopefully, our tips will help travellers avoid unnecessary hassle and expense,” she added.

Consumer Council travel essentials:

• Know your rights. It is important to know your consumer rights when it comes to delayed or cancelled flights or sailings. Visit https://bit.ly/consumerrightsandtravel
• Be flexible when booking. Consider flexible airfares and accommodation with a cancellation option. They may be a bit more expensive but could save you money in the long run.
• Check your passport. If you need to apply for a new passport to travel, check with the passport issuer how far in advance of your travel date you should apply.
• Pre-book special assistance. If you have a disability or reduced mobility, ensure you get the assistance you need. This needs to be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
• Check airport parking charges before you travel and pre-book car parking as it can save you money.
• Get your travel insurance well in advance of travel and make sure it covers your needs, including that it covers you if you are flying or sailing from the Republic of Ireland.
• If travelling to EU countries, you can also get a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This will give access to health care at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. The GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It is advisable to have private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip.
• Check the latest travel updates. Check with your airline/airport or ferry operator for the most up to date travel advice and information.
• Check public transport timetables if you are planning to use public transport for any part of your journey.
• Know hand luggage allowances and restrictions. These vary between airlines and are often strictly enforced. For example, some airlines only allow one free cabin bag per passenger – be careful as additional bags (including handbags) may incur a fee. Also check airport security procedures, particularly regarding liquids in hand luggage.
• Check for roaming charges. If travelling to EU countries, check with your mobile phone provider if you will experience roaming charges. https://bit.ly/mobileroaming24
• Travelling with a pet? If you’re resident in Northern Ireland and travelling to Great Britain, the only requirement is that your pet is microchipped. For more information on travelling with a pet visit www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-northern-ireland

If you should have difficulties with travel, we may be able to help. Transport complaints that we can investigate, include problems with airlines, ferry travel, or public transport. If you have an issue with a transport provider in Northern Ireland, make a complaint to them in the first instance to give them the opportunity to put things right. 

If you don’t receive a response, or are unhappy with the outcome, you can contact us. We will investigate the issue and do what they can to help you.

Telephone 0800 121 6022, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm or email contact@consumercouncil.org.uk.