Here’s what to do when your flight is cancelled or delayed

Travel experts at Quotezone.co.uk want all passengers to ensure they have been treated according to the law, and have been compensated fairly.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said that although the airline should legally cover compensation or full refunds for cancelled and delayed flights, having travel insurance can give passengers some peace of mind on holiday.

He said: “Depending on the type of policy, some travel insurance providers will offer cover for a delayed flight of over 24 hours, or if an alternative travel option hasn’t been offered.

“Insurance policies for missed or delayed flight departure will pay for costs incurred from delayed flights or if travellers miss the trips because of a situation out of their control (such as getting into a serious accident and being taken to hospital).

“In the case of an airline going bust before passengers are able to get home, taking out the right travel insurance before jetting off will help give travellers protection.

“Taking out a travel insurance policy which includes ‘end supplier failure’ should cover travellers if their flights have been cancelled because the company has fallen into administration and gone bust.”

“We want to help travellers save where they can and know their rights should they suffer a delay, a cancellation or any other unexpected bumps in the road. Making sure bookings are ATOL protected, using a credit card to pay and taking out an insurance policy when they initially make their bookings, can all help protect their trip.”

What to do if your flight is delayed or cancelled:

• Cancelled flight – passengers legally have the right to request a full refund from the airline, or a replacement flight which will allow travellers to get to their final destination.
• Long delay – five or more hours delayed entitles all passengers to compensation, full refunds, or a replacement trip.
• Short delay – travellers can request help with travel costs, claiming compensation if the cancelled flight means a delay of arrival by two or more hours. (The airline will rarely give out compensation if a delay was caused due to reasons beyond their control – such as adverse weather conditions)
• Personal emergency – If you are unable to travel due to a medical emergency or a family bereavement your travel insurance could help to cover the costs but you should be sure to take out the insurance policy at the same time as you book your trip.

Quotezone.co.uk helps travellers compare travel insurance products and find savings.