Summer is here, but travelers in the UK are being advised to be extra cautious as they plan their vacations. The cost of jet fuel has surged by 120% since the beginning of the conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns about potential shortages in the upcoming months. Airlines have already increased ticket prices, and further disruptions are anticipated unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon.

Prior to the conflict, Europe had around 37 days’ worth of fuel supply, but this is now likely reduced to about 30 days. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has cautioned that if the supply drops to 23 days, some airports could run out of fuel.

With airlines now permitted to merge or cancel flights with just a two-week notice, there are worries that passengers with special needs may face challenges. The European Commission has indicated that the ongoing Middle East fuel crisis could be classified as “exceptional circumstances,” potentially preventing travelers from claiming compensation for flight changes.

Travel expert Declan Somers, CEO of Mobal, has highlighted the risk of passengers being separated as airlines combine flights to conserve fuel. Families who originally booked together may find themselves reassigned to different seats on replacement flights.

Notably, UK law does not mandate children to be seated with their parents on planes. While it goes against Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines, airlines can legally separate young children from adults. To address this, Somers advises parents to book seats directly with the airline, pay for seat selection, and request assistance notes to be attached to the Passenger Name Record (PNR) immediately.

The situation is even more concerning for passengers with disabilities or complex medical needs. Travel expert Alexandra Dubakova warns that emergency flight changes may not consider specialized requirements, such as extra legroom or specific seating for medical equipment. This could result in passengers being de-boarded or reassigned due to aircraft configuration issues.

Dubakova also notes a potential erosion of consumer rights during exceptional circumstances, where airlines may not offer the usual level of care. For those needing special assistance, Scope guidance recommends booking at least 48 hours in advance, though with anticipated last-minute flight changes, these arrangements may not be guaranteed.

The impact of fuel shortages is expected to be felt more severely at smaller regional airports that lack on-site fuel storage like major hubs such as Heathrow. Travelers are advised to plan ahead by selecting early morning flights, flying from larger airports when possible, and ensuring an ample supply of medication at least four weeks before travel.

Despite the challenges, leading budget airlines in Europe, including Jet2, easyJet, and TUI, have committed to maintaining regular flight operations during the peak holiday season. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has assured that the government is prepared to work with the aviation sector to address any potential disruptions swiftly and effectively.

British Airlines, TUI, and Virgin Atlantic have policies in place to ensure children under 12 are seated with at least one adult on the same PNR. Ryanair, easyJet, and other airlines offer similar assurances to families regarding seating arrangements. Airlines recommend passengers select seats in advance to secure seating together, especially for families with children.

In conclusion, while challenges lie ahead due to fuel supply issues, airlines and authorities are taking steps to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers this summer.