With the last six months marked by cabin crew strikes, volcanic ash clouds, bad weather and tour operators going out of business, the Consumer Council says the need for travellers to know their rights and ensure they are covered is greater than ever.

The organisation has published a fact sheet with information on planning and booking trips, payment methods, rights regarding connection flights, delatys and cancellations, what a good insurance policy should include, what happens if a tour operator goes out of business and making a complaint.

Senior consumer affairs officer Andy McClenaghan explained: “Over the last six months many travellers have had to deal with their holiday being cancelled, been left out of pocket or worse, left stranded abroad

“When this happens, unfortunately many travellers do not know what their rights or responsibilities are - 70 per cent of passengers feel they don’t know their rights if their flight is delayed or cancelled”

The Consumer Council is advising holidaymakers to keep its tips to hand when booking a holiday and to pack a copy with their passport and travel documents.

A free factsheet can be requested by telephoning 0800 121 6022 or emailing complaints@consumercouncil.org.uk