Here's how your next holiday could be directly affected by Brexit

If your holiday occurs before 29 March 2019, and was booked with a company based in the EU, you will still be covered for travel back to the UK (Photo: Shutterstock)If your holiday occurs before 29 March 2019, and was booked with a company based in the EU, you will still be covered for travel back to the UK (Photo: Shutterstock)
If your holiday occurs before 29 March 2019, and was booked with a company based in the EU, you will still be covered for travel back to the UK (Photo: Shutterstock)

Britain's departure from the EU is set to bring about many changes and could affect some of your rights when travelling abroad.

Budget airline Ryanair recently secured a UK air operating certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) allowing them to continue to fly domestically and to non-EU countries - but what about other airlines?

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Here's everything you need to know if you are booking a holiday before Brexit.

Will Brexit affect my package holiday?

If your holiday takes place before 29 March 2019, and was booked with a company based in the EU, you will still be covered for travel back to the UK and a full refund will apply if the company goes bust or ceases trading.

In the event of a deal, the protection will remain the same, but only if you book with an EU company and your holiday occurs before December 2020, according to travel expert Fiona Macrae from travelinsuranceexplained.co.uk.

You will need to have purchased your package holiday via a UK-based company to get the same level of protection if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

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Additionally, if you book a package holiday with a company based in the EU that operates in the UK, the UK insolvency protection rules will provide cover in the event the company goes into liquidation.

But if your package holiday is booked for after 29 March 2019, there is a risk that insolvency protection will cease to apply to UK consumers.

What happens if my airline isn't able to take off post-Brexit?

The 'open skies' agreement means that planes can travel from the UK to the rest of Europe, but as formal agreements have yet to be confirmed, it is still unclear if this will continue after 29 March 2019.

If you plane is unable to take-off after Brexit, you will be able to get a full refund for your ticket from the airline or tour operator (Photo: Shutterstock)

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If you book a flight and the plane is unable to take-off after Brexit, you will be able to get a full refund for your ticket from the airline or tour operator.

Can I claim compensation if my flight is delayed?

If your flight is delayed you will be entitled to claim for compensation up to €600 from the airline under European passengers' rights rules, advises Macrae.

Although, if your flight is delayed due to an 'extraordinary circumstance', such as poor weather conditions, then you will not be permitted to claim compensation.

Those with travel insurance may be able to claim a small amount of compensation from their policy for delays lasting six or 12 hours, which is usually limited to between £100 and £600.

Will I need to buy travel insurance when travelling abroad post-Brexit?

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Travel insurance should always be purchased once your holiday is booked, regardless of Brexit.

Holidaymakers are advised to check the policy documents and cover limits to ensure they are adequately covered for your trip.

Experts recommend independent travellers (those who do not purchase a package deal) look for a policy that offers cancellation.