The tour operator changed my itinerary last minute.

What the Law Says

The Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995 sets out your rights when a tour operator changes your package holiday arrangements after booking.

Under section 18 of the Act, a tour operator must not make any significant change to the terms of a package holiday once the contract is made — unless it’s due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances, or the change is minor and does not substantially affect the holiday.

If a change is made, the operator must inform you without delay — before departure, if possible — and give you the choice of accepting a suitable alternative arrangement or receiving a full refund of all payments made.

A 'significant change' includes alterations to travel dates, destination, accommodation standard, or core services included in the package. Minor adjustments — like switching to a similar hotel in the same area — may not trigger the right to cancel or refund.

Statutory Text

Where a tour operator proposes to make a significant change to the terms of a package holiday contract after the contract has been made, he or she shall notify the consumer thereof without delay and shall offer the consumer the choice of accepting an alternative package of equivalent or higher quality or of receiving a full refund of all payments made.

— Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act 1995, s. 18 — Duty of tour operator where change proposed

What to Do

Sources