Trains

A frequent mode of transport for people getting to work, and delays seem inevitable, passengers in the main seem to accept delays as normal and few make claims against the train line.

Excessive delays on long and expensive journeys can be claimed for especially where it affects a family trip, urgent business journey or for disabled people who would be distressed by excessive waiting.

A delay may well have a knock on effect meaning you miss other connections to flights or miss meetings and events.

Buses and Coaches

Passengers using buses and coaches over short distances with fares paid in cash are used for regular services and delays are minimal, due to good frequency of services.

Longer distance trips can be expensive with some carriers and journey times can be lengthy due to frequent stops on route to collect/drop passengers.

Coaches hired in advance for personal, business or holidays are a more expensive event if things go wrong with the journeys and create the biggest opportunity for refunds and compensation. 

Like trains delays and the consequences can create opportunities for refunds from the supplier, or via the booking agent.

Aeroplanes

Used for long trips both at home, across Europe or to other parts of the world. Often linked in with holiday trips or as part of business journeys.

Usually pre-booked and pre-paid costs can range considerably, delays and cancellations are the major reasons which create refund opportunities and more critical journeys grounds for compensation.

Security measures at many airports can cause delays and should be allowed for as part of travel arrangement as can be travel to airports, which may be subject to separate contracts with providers or agents. 

Taxis

Most taxi trips are short and paid for in cash at the end of the trip, unless pre booked, little is open for refund opportunities, and in most cases the value of the journeys are minimal.

Some journeys such as school and business trips may be subject of regular contracts which include time scales, as a consequence refunds or credits for lateness or non appearance could be claimed.

Hire Cars

Here a car is hired for perhaps an important or long trip, usually booked in advance, ideally with a written confirmation.

Lateness or non appearance gives obvious cause for a claim even if no monies have been paid in advance.

Conditions where a claim could be made

For other related issues see Holidays

Holidaymakers are being warned against web sites charging unnecessary fees for the issue of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which replaced the E111 form in January 2006

The credit card sized pass provides Britons to free or discounted medical treatment in state-run hospitals in any EU country.

You can obtain a card free of charge from the Department of Health's web site, by phone op using an application back from any Post office - usually within 2 weeks

• Tel 0845 6062030

• www.dh.gov.uk/travellers