Strikes, delays and staff shortages. A lot of our holidays have been disrupted or affected recently. If you’re worried about your travel plans and what you can do to protect your finances if something goes wrong, we’re here to help.
Why are there strikes and travel disruptions?
As restrictions on travel within and outside the UK have been lifted for the first time since early 2020, demand for travel has picked up and the pressure on the transport industry has increased. From flights to train journeys and ferry trips, we’re seeing large queues, long waits, and cancelled services for travellers.
There are staff shortages across the industry, plus strike action over pay and working conditions. All of this has caused a lot of disruption and made travelling that bit more stressful.
Cancellation, delays and baggage loss – what might be covered?
Here are some tips on what to do if you’re affected by delays, cancellations or baggage loss, including how airlines might compensate you and what you may be entitled to under a travel insurance policy.
Compensation for flight cancellations
If your flight is cancelled for reasons outside of your control and you can’t claim the cost back through your provider, travel insurance might cover some of the cost. Airlines or train companies will often compensate you for cancellations or offer alternative travel options and you should try asking for a refund first. When that’s not possible, take a look at your travel insurance policy to see what you might be covered for. If you’re flying within or to and from the EU, it might be handy to familiarise yourself with your passenger rights.
Travel cancellations and hotel bookings
Travel insurance can also help when a cancelled or delayed flight or journey have an impact on hotel stays. First you should contact your hotel or booked accommodation to ask for a refund. If they refuse to give you one, your travel insurance policy may cover you for the cost of your cancelled stay.
Travel cancellations due to COVID-19
While restrictions have been lifted and holidaymakers are able to enjoy travelling again, we know that there are still situations that might crop up due to COVID-19. Find out what Tesco Travel Insurance could cover before you head away and during your trip in our guide to COVID-19 cover. Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply.
Travel delay
Whether the delay hits while you’re sitting on the runway or still in the comfort of the airport, a journey delay can be frustrating. Citizens Advice offer helpful information around what compensation you may be entitled to depending on the distance of your trip and the length of your delay while flying, plus compensation you could claim if you’re affected by train disruption.
If you have flight connections on the same booking that you miss due to delays, your airline should try to provide a solution for you. However, travel insurance could cover the cost of getting you to your destination where your airline can’t, along with compensation for additional costs as a result of your delay.
Baggage delay and baggage loss
Sometimes your luggage doesn’t arrive in the same destination as you. As soon as you notice your bag is missing, you should report it to your airline immediately – and aim to report it and get a lost baggage report (Property Irregularity Report) before you leave the airport. If your luggage is delayed or lost in transit, you may be able to claim compensation from your airline in the first instance. If you can’t get money back from the airline, travel insurance could cover both baggage loss and baggage delay.
Know your rights
If you find yourself affected by any delays, cancellations or losses, keep your receipts and document everything – it may come in handy down the line for any claims you make, whether that’s with your airline or a travel insurance provider.
As a customer, you may be able to make claims with the travel providers directly, so it’s important to be aware of what your rights are:
- Air passenger rights when travelling within or to and from the EUAir passenger rights when travelling within or to and from the EU
- Flight delay or cancellation compensationFlight delay or cancellation compensation
- Holiday cancellationsHoliday cancellations
- Package holiday cancellation and compensationPackage holiday cancellation and compensation
- Train delay and cancellation compensationTrain delay and cancellation compensation
What travel insurance does Tesco Insurance offer?
We offer Single Trip, Annual Multi Trip, Backpacker Travel Insurance policies that could help you if your transport is cancelled before your trip, as well as cover some unexpected expenses while you’re there.
Depending on your level of cover, Tesco Travel Insurance could cover you for:
- Up to £10,000 cover for cancellation or cutting short your tripUp to £10,000 cover for cancellation or cutting short your trip
- If a flight is cancelled and you have to abandon your trip where no alternative is offered within 12 hours, you may be covered for accommodation or car hire costs. If a flight is cancelled and you have to abandon your trip where no alternative is offered within 12 hours, you may be covered for accommodation or car hire costs.
- Up to £1,500 cover for missed departure. This may include additional flight or accommodation expenses incurred.Up to £1,500 cover for missed departure. This may include additional flight or accommodation expenses incurred.
- £50 per day, up to a maximum of £1,000 cover for travel delay£50 per day, up to a maximum of £1,000 cover for travel delay
- Up to £3,000 cover for baggage, with single article and valuable limits of up to £500Up to £3,000 cover for baggage, with single article and valuable limits of up to £500
- Up to £1,500 of Delayed Baggage cover for a minimum delay of 12 hoursUp to £1,500 of Delayed Baggage cover for a minimum delay of 12 hours
- Up to £500 cover for important documentsUp to £500 cover for important documents
Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions apply. For full details please see the policy documents online.
Looking for some more information?
Key product information
Tesco Travel Insurance is arranged and administered by Rock Insurance Services Limited and underwritten by AWP P&C S.A.
Important Information
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to the subject matter but does not constitute expert financial advice specific to your own situation. All facts and figures were correct at time of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.