An expert explains what to do if your flight is delayed or canceled and what your rights are

If you have an upcoming vacation, it may be helpful to know your rights if your trip is disrupted.

Kelly Johnstone at Avanti Travel Insurance has explained what to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled. It also explains whether you are covered in the event of a natural disaster or strike.

Below you’ll find his advice on what you’re entitled to and how travel insurance can help you. She also gives tips for making travel as smooth as possible.

What to do if your flight is canceled

If there is any disruption to your trip, your first port of call should be to contact your holiday providers. Travel providers, such as airlines and cruise lines, should offer you a refund or the option to change your travel dates if they cancel your reservation.

If your travel dates change, consider updating your travel insurance policy. Please remember that if you change your travel dates, you will need to do so before your original departure.

If your travel providers cannot help you

If you have contacted your travel suppliers and they cannot help you rearrange your trip or offer you a refund, you may be able to file a “chargeback request” with your bank if you paid with a card credit. If you’ve tried both of these options without success, you may be able to claim your travel insurance. Coverage often differs between outbound and return flights, so be sure to check your policy documents.

What to do if your flight is delayed

If your flight is “significantly delayed,” your airline is required to provide you with care and assistance. The type of support and compensation you will receive depends on how long you wait and how far you travel. You can easily find out if you are eligible for assistance or compensation by visiting the CAA website.

If your flight is significantly delayed, your airline must offer you:

• To cover your food and drinks, often given in the form of vouchers.
• The ability to make the necessary phone calls, and they will usually reimburse your call charges.
• Arrange your accommodation if your flight is delayed overnight.
• Arrange transportation to and from your accommodation, or even your return home if you are nearby.

If for some reason the airline cannot provide these services due to staff shortages, don’t worry: you should be able to claim reasonable expenses. Just check your airline’s policy to understand what they define as reasonable.

You may also be able to make a claim through your travel insurance. Check the “Travel Delay” section in your policy wording to understand what is covered.

And remember, if your return trip to the UK is also delayed, your policy will automatically be extended to cover the extra time you need to get home. So rest assured, you’re covered!

Are you covered in the event of a natural disaster?

Natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or wildfires can have a significant impact on your travel plans. So we wouldn’t blame you for wondering if your travel insurance covers these types of events.

What can you do if your travel is impacted

Contact your providers to see what assistance they can provide. The first thing to do is to see what your travel and vacation providers can do. They can refund or rebook your trip or help ensure your trip will not be disrupted.

If you’re already on vacation and your flight or accommodation is canceled, your providers should be able to help you get home or help you find alternative accommodation. If your travel provider cannot help you reschedule or refund your charges, contact your bank. If you paid for your trip with a credit card, you may be able to recover your costs through a “chargeback request.” If none of these solutions work, you can make a claim on your travel insurance.

Can you be covered in the event of a strike?

You should be covered by your travel insurance if strikes affect your travel plans, provided the strike was not public knowledge when you booked your trip or took out your policy (whichever is later). Read your policy documents to find out what is covered and what is not.

What if you had to cancel your accommodation?

You may be able to benefit from your travel insurance for non-refundable accommodation if your flights are canceled by the airline. Be sure to speak to your travel supplier or bank (if you paid with a credit card) first. You can also find advice on the FCDO website.

Terrorist incidents when you are about to travel

If you are about to travel to an area where the FCDO has advised against all travel, or all but essential travel, due to terrorism, contact your airline or travel provider as soon as possible. They will be able to let you know if you can rearrange your trip, they may even offer you a refund. If you decide to rearrange your trip, you can update your travel insurance policy.

How to Make Travel as Smooth as Possible

The best way to make your trip less stressful is to plan ahead:

• Prepare all your travel documents as soon as possible.
• Once you have booked your holiday, take out holiday insurance. This can help protect you from cancellations before you leave and will be there if any problems arise during your trip.
• When it’s time to leave, allow extra time for potential delays and stay informed with your travel providers. You can check flight/ferry and traffic information before you go, and strikes are usually scheduled for specific days.
• Arrive early at the airport. Once you arrive, make sure you have all your documents ready to go and your liquids in a separate clear bag.