How travel insurance helps in flight delays and cancellation: Experts divulge

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Facing unusual travel disruptions in the UK? Here’s how to navigate cancellations, delays, and more with expert advice from Kelly Johnstone.

Currently, the UK is facing an unusual amount of travel disruptions due to a mix of factors, including staff shortages, delays, strikes, and unforeseen natural events.

If you’re looking forward to a vacation, concerns about potential flight cancellations or delays are natural. Kelly Johnstone from Avanti Travel Insurance offers essential insights into your entitlements and how travel insurance can be beneficial.

What steps should you take if your flight gets cancelled?
In case of travel disruptions, your initial step should be reaching out to your travel service providers. Companies like airlines and cruise operators are typically obliged to refund you or propose alternative travel dates if they cancel your trip.

If there’s a change in your travel dates, it’s crucial to adjust your travel insurance policy accordingly. This adjustment should be done before your original planned travel date.

What if your travel service providers are unable to assist?
Should your travel service providers be unable to help with rearranging your travel or providing a refund, you might consider a ‘chargeback claim’ with your bank, especially if the payment was made via credit card.

If neither of these options works, your next recourse might be to claim on your travel insurance. It’s important to note that coverage often varies for outgoing and return journeys, so reviewing your policy details is essential.

How to handle a flight delay?
In the event of a ‘significant delay’, airlines are obligated to offer care and assistance.

The type and extent of support or compensation depend on the duration of the delay and the distance of your journey. The CAA website is a useful resource to check if you’re eligible for support or compensation.

In case of a substantial delay, airlines should provide:

• Meals and refreshments, usually in the form of vouchers.
• Facilities for necessary phone calls, with likely reimbursement for the costs incurred.
• Accommodation arrangements if the delay extends overnight.
• Transportation to and from the accommodation or potentially back home if it’s feasible.

If the airline is unable to offer these services due to staff shortages, you’re entitled to claim reasonable expenses, as defined by the airline’s policy.

Additionally, you may be eligible for a compensation claim through your travel insurance. Refer to the ‘Travel Delay’ section in your policy for specifics.

If your return to the UK is delayed, your policy should automatically extend to cover the additional time needed for your return home.

Are you insured against natural disasters?
Events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or wildfires can significantly impact travel plans. It’s reasonable to question if such events are covered by your travel insurance.

What actions can you take if your trip is affected?

• Firstly, contact your travel and holiday providers for possible support. They might offer refunds, rebookings, or assurances regarding minimal disruptions to your journey.
• If you’re already on vacation and face cancellations in flights or accommodations, your providers should assist in arranging your return or finding alternative lodgings.
• If your travel provider is unable to assist with rescheduling or refunds, reach out to your bank. A ‘chargeback claim’ might be viable if you used a credit card for the payment.
• If these avenues don’t yield results, consider claiming on your travel insurance.

Can strikes be covered?
Travel insurance should cover disruptions caused by strikes, provided the strike was not publicly known when you booked your trip or purchased your policy (whichever is later). Check your policy documents for detailed coverage information.

What if you need to cancel your accommodation?
In cases where your flights are cancelled by the airline, you might be able to claim on your travel insurance for non-refundable accommodation costs. However, consult your travel provider or bank (if payment was made via a credit card) first. The FCDO website also offers relevant advice.

Dealing with terrorist incidents before your travel
If the FCDO advises against travel to a particular area due to terrorism, contact your airline or travel provider immediately. They can inform you about possible trip rearrangements or refunds.

If you decide to reschedule your trip, remember to update your travel insurance policy.

Tips for a smooth travel experience:

• Prepare all travel documents well in advance.
• Purchase holiday insurance once your trip is booked to safeguard against pre-trip cancellations and unforeseen issues during your journey.
• Allow extra time for potential delays and stay updated with your travel providers. Check for information on flights, ferries, traffic, and planned strikes.
• Arrive early at the airport, keeping your documents and liquids (in a clear bag) ready for inspection.

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