If you've faced a delay or cancellations due to the nation wide air traffic control issues, it might feel like your holiday plans are ruined. But before you start rescheduling your trip, it's important to find out how your travel insurance policy can help you.
Will I get money back from the airline?
If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, you have certain rights under the airline's policy. Most airlines will offer compensation in the form of meal vouchers, hotel accommodation for long delays or cancellations, or a different flight to your destination. What you're entitled to can vary from one airline to another, but the airline has to take care of you.
It's important to note that you should always make a claim through your airline first. Your travel insurance will only cover costs that you can’t get elsewhere.
When can I claim on my travel insurance?
Travel insurance can help you if the cause of your delay or cancellation was outside of the airline's control and where the airline can’t help.
Depending on the travel insurance policy you’ve chosen, you may be able to claim for any unused flights, hotel bookings or other related losses due to delayed or cancelled flights.
You might also be able to claim back reasonable costs during a delay or if your flight is cancelled. Reasonable costs don’t include things like fine dining or luxury hotel rooms, but would include basic accommodation, meals and transportation. This might include:
- Meals and refreshments
- Hotel rooms if you're delayed overnight
- Compensation for the inconvenience (usually 12 hours+)
- Pre-booked events and activities that you'll miss due to delays and cancellations
To improve your chances of making a successful claim, make sure you keep receipts of any expenses.
It's important to read the fine print of your travel insurance policy and understand what's covered before you make a claim. Some policies will not cover you if you decide not to go on your trip after facing a delay.
Is my travel insurance still valid if my holiday changes?
If you’re faced with delays or cancellations, it’s important not to forget about your travel insurance.
If the dates of your trip change, you’ll need to let your travel insurance provider know straight away. They’ll be able to update or change your policy to reflect your changed dates, and to make sure you’re covered for the right amount of time.
If your holiday is cancelled and you decide to go somewhere else, you’ll still need to let your travel insurance provider know about your new destination. That way, you’ll be covered for your new trip.
To update your policy, call PayingTooMuch on 01243 216251 and speak to a friendly member of our customer service team. It might cost more, but it’s added reassurance in case something else unexpected happens.
How do I make a claim?
To claim through your airline, contact them directly. You can do this via their website, customer service hotline, or in person at the airport. Give them details about the delay or cancellation, including:
- Your flight number
- Your scheduled departure time
- The duration of a delay
It's also important to keep any documentation you get from the airline about the delay or cancellation, as this will be helpful when making your claim.
To claim through your travel insurance, contact your insurer as soon as possible and tell them details about the delay or cancellation. Make sure you have all of your travel documents ready, along with any receipts for expenses related to the incident.
Making a claim doesn't take long, and it could help you get back some money that you would otherwise have lost due to delays and cancellations. With travel insurance, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is at hand.
What happens if I don't have travel insurance yet?
If you’re affected by delays and cancellations but don’t have travel insurance yet, you won’t be covered if you take out a policy. Most insurers won’t cover you for known events - in this case, the delays or cancellations you’re facing.
If you don’t have travel cover, you could still make a claim through your airline. You might be owed a refund for a cancellation, compensation for delays and travel-related expenses, such as accommodation and food.
