Heathrow strikes: Will my travel insurance cover me if flights are disrupted?
Strike up battle! How to make sure your travel insurance covers you if your flight is affected by an airport strike this summer
- Passengers at Heathrow airport will be affected by two months of strikes
- We explain how you can check what you are insured for on your travel insurance policy
- You may also be able to receive compensation if you have had to stay in a hotel
Britons going on holiday this summer are facing major disruption during their journey as staff at the UK’s largest airport run away every weekend from 24 June to the end of August.
About 2,000 Heathrow staff are going on strike in a major escalation of a pay dispute.
The Unite Union, representing workers, said “Delays, disruptions and cancellations will be inevitable as a result of the strike action” and warned that the dispute could escalate further in the coming weeks.
On the ground: strikes at Heathrow airport this summer will disrupt many holiday plans
Terminals three and five will be affected by the strikes.
The airlines affected by the strike at terminal three are Virgin, Emirates, Qatar, United, American and Delta.
Meanwhile, the extensive work stoppages at Terminal Five will severely disrupt British Airways’ summer schedule.
This is Money asked travel experts how customers might be affected – and how to make sure their insurance covers them.
Be sure to check the terms and conditions carefully
Not all travel insurance providers offer coverage for airline strikes, so it’s important to always check the terms of a policy before purchasing.
Helen Phipps, director of Compare the Market explains: ‘Coverage for flight cancellations can vary depending on the policy you choose.
“Strikes by airport staff may, under certain conditions, be considered ‘extraordinary circumstances’ and beyond the control of the airline.”
In the case of ‘extraordinary circumstances’, compensation will usually not be awarded. However, an exception to this would be if the airline’s own staff went on strike.
Strikes that have already been announced are not covered if you take out travel insurance afterwards, as this is a foreseeable event.
“As long as the airline strike is announced after you’ve booked your trip and your travel insurance, you may be able to claim,” says Angela Dove, travel expert at Moneysupermarket.
Scott Dixon, a consumer advocate, advises: ‘Look for trip interruption coverage as part of your travel insurance policy and make sure it covers all contingencies, including hotel stays, car hire and extra costs to get you to and from your destination’.
Travelers’ ability to claim refunds may also depend on the destinations they are traveling to and from where they are traveling. Phipps said: “People flying between the UK and the EU or traveling on a UK-based airline may be entitled to a refund or re-routing.
“Similarly, if your flight is delayed for more than 24 hours, or if the airline doesn’t book an alternative flight for you within 24 hours of a cancellation, certain travel insurance policies will allow you to claim back the cost of canceling your holiday.”
Two-week airline compensation rule
You are not entitled to compensation from the airline if you are informed of the strike at least two weeks in advance, or if the airline can offer you a flight similar to the one you have booked.
If a strike is announced less than 14 days before travelling, or if you are stranded due to a strike, you are entitled to a refund or re-routing if the flight was between the UK and the EU or if the flight is operated by a airline based in the United Kingdom.
Will the insurance reimburse hotel stays?
The UK still follows EU law when it comes to flight cancellations and airline responsibilities, so this informs the compensation guidelines.
Scott Dixon said: ‘Under EU law you may also be able to claim back costs other than a refund of flight costs – such as accommodation – on your travel insurance.
You are entitled to compensation if you have had to stay in a hotel due to a canceled flight, if the airline cannot book you on a suitable alternative flight that day and an overnight stay is desired.
“Always keep receipts and follow the airline’s claim process. If your claim is rejected and you remain dissatisfied with the decision, escalate it to an alternative dispute resolution body of which the airline is a member.
If the airline is not affiliated with an ADR scheme, you can submit your complaint to the CAA.
“Small claims court is a last resort, but don’t be afraid to use it,” Dixon added.