First things first – travelling at Christmas is stressful at the best of times. When industrial action or winter weather is added into the mix, uncertainty can creep in fast. This guide covers the main known risks between now and New Year, plus the smartest ways to stay flexible.

What to do now

• Check your flight status directly with your airline before travelling and enable app notifications.
• Arrive at the airport at the usual recommended time unless your airline tells you otherwise – arriving much earlier can make queues worse.
• Pack to reduce stress: if possible, travel with hand luggage only. Always keep medication, chargers, and essentials with you.
• Build slack into onward plans such as parking exit times, rail tickets, or hotel check-ins.

Known UK air travel disruption: now to New Year

Storm Devin: disruptions to US flights

A snow storm on the US east coast Friday night and Saturday morning (UK time) has caused the cancellation of 1500 flights and disruption to 7000 more.

Flights to and from the UK have been affected, as New York's JFK airport as well as airports in Boston, Newark, Washington and as far away as Pittsburgh experience airport closures and travel warnings.

New York city itself expected 10 inches of snow overnight and not only flights but local ground transport is likely to be disrupted within the city.

London Luton (LTN): easyJet strike action

Has now been called off. No other significant industrial action is expected at UK airports over the Christmas break.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you may be entitled to care, rerouting, or a refund under UK261/EU261 passenger rights.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled

• Contact your airline first – they are responsible for rerouting, refunds, and care.
• Keep receipts for food, transport, or accommodation if advised by your airline.
• Separate tickets: if you booked legs independently, missed connections are not protected.

Changing plans with Holiday Extras

If your travel plans change, you can amend or cancel your Holiday Extras booking online. Customers with Flextras can usually cancel for a voucher and rebook once new travel details are confirmed.

• Use our online amends system to change or cancel bookings.
• For travel insurance queries, email [email protected].

Customers already abroad

Our support teams are fully briefed. Live Chat is the fastest way to reach us.

More information

• New York weather and travel update
• BBC News on Storm Devin in the US
• Unite union updates
• Met Office weather warnings
• EUROCONTROL network updates