Flight Delays can be a pain
Flight delays can be a pain, especially when you are on a business trip and don’t have the luxury of time.
Imagine missing an important meeting due to a flight delay or missing a cruise or tour and losing your precious holiday time.
Yes, it can be devastating and for some it can also be an expensive exercise.
When a delay is of no fault of yours, the airline will look after you, in fact, they have a moral obligation to look after you provided you are booked within the guidelines of the airlines.
That’s why it’s always important to ensure that you are booked on flights that meet the criteria where minimum connecting times are met.
If you choose to book yourself on flights that violate that criteria, the airline is not legally responsible for re-accommodating you.
If you are booked with a travel agent, then your agent would already have been made aware of the delay and is probably already working with the airlines to re- accommodate you.
Airlines usually work with travel agents and distribute a blanket authority to rebook travellers on the next available flight at no extra cost, or in some cases would provide accommodation.
Some airlines may not even cover any expenses in a flight delay, for example low cost carriers. It differs from airline to airline. So never assume, always check.
Don’t assume that travel insurance will cover your out of pocket costs. In a flight delay, when it’s due to mechanical or technical faults, the insurer will usually ask you to refer back to the airline and get maximum claim back from them first, since it’s their fault, and whatever that’s left, the insurer will then assess the claim. Again, there is no guarantee they would pay.
Always remember that as long as you have booked within the guidelines of the airlines and have comprehensive Travel insurance that has unlimited cancellation cover, you are more than likely going to get your money back.