Travel Disruption – What you need to know before you go!

The UK and the rest of Europe are about to hit the height of the 2023 travel season, with hundreds of millions of travellers looking forward to a trip away this year. Industry sources have warned that some travel providers and airports are not yet fully staffed following the pandemic, and as with most summers, the volume of travellers may cause delays.

In addition, due to planned strikes by Eurocontrol, Europe’s air traffic management body, some flight delays and cancellations are expected. If you’re planning to travel to Poland or Eastern Europe, you could find your flight affected because of the impact on local airspace due to the war in Ukraine.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, there is good news!

Airlines and airports are doing all they can to minimise disruption to passengers and there are things you can do to help yourself too!

1. Keep an eye on your inbox
Some airlines are ahead of the game and are changing flights months in advance to minimise impact, in 95% of cases flights have been rescheduled, but keep an eye out for any emails from your airline or travel provider.

2. Check with the airport
Often the airport’s website will be updated before the airline’s pages. It’s worth checking before you leave for the airport, just to check that your flight is operating as expected.

3. Arrive early
It’s long been the standard to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your scheduled flight for European destinations and 3 hours before your long-haul flight departure time, but with delays in check-in, case drops and security you may need longer. So, consider starting your holiday earlier, and worst-case scenario you’ll have even longer in duty-free!

4. Be prepared
If you or a member of your travelling party needs medication, has special dietary needs or you’re travelling with an infant, make sure you have enough, medication, specialist food, formula, and nappies to tide you over for a few extra hours at the airport – just in case the worst happens.

5. Check your insurance policy
Most travel insurance providers offer a form of travel delay cover, but your ability to claim may depend on the cause of the delay. For example, if the delay is due to a strike that was planned or threatened before you booked your trip you will not be entitled to compensation via your insurer. Most insurers will not agree to pay a claim if there is a possibility that you are eligible for a refund or compensation elsewhere.

Under European and UK law, you may be entitled to compensation from your airline if your flight arrives at its destination late. Again, this may depend on the reason but generally, the length of your flight will affect the entitlement, for example:

You can find out more about your rights if your flight is delayed or cancelled with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau: citizensadvice.org.uk.

If you’ve got a holiday planned, make sure you’re covered against those unexpected worries! Direct Travel Insurance specialises in offering tailor-made travel insurance policies to suit all needs. If you’d like to find out more simply call one of our friendly experts or get a quote here.