What to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled

Understanding what your travel insurance covers before, during, and after your trip should it be canceled.

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What to do when your flight is delayed or cancelled

Flight delays and cancellations can throw even the best laid holiday plans into disarray. You’ve packed your bags, counted down the days, and suddenly… your trip is on hold. And unexpected travel disruption can lead to unexpected costs for meals, accommodation, transport, or even losing prepaid holiday expenses.

Well, if this happens to you, you’re not alone. Lots of travellers have experienced flight delays or cancellations, and with disruption becoming more common, knowing how to handle the situation and how your travel insurance can help, makes all the difference.

Below, we’ve outlined the steps to take if your travel plans are delayed, cancelled or you miss your departure.

Steps to follow

Step 1: Stay calm and gather information

Check airline updates in the form of text messages, app notifications, emails, or departure boards. Make a note of the reason for the delay or cancellation (weather, operational issues, technical problems), as this may affect your entitlements and any future claims.

Step 2: Speak to the airline or travel provider

Go to the airline desk or speak to staff at the gate to understand your options (like rebooking, refunds, vouchers) and about compensation. Ask if they can provide or contribute to meals, hotel accommodation, or transport if you’re delayed for an extended period or stranded overnight. If you won’t be travelling until the next day (or the trip is cancelled entirely), it’s also important to ask how to retrieve your checked luggage.

Step 3: Contact your destination accommodation and transfers

Let your hotel, apartment host, or other accommodation provider know you’ll be arriving late and confirm that your booking will be held. Check whether late arrival fees apply. If you’ve booked airport transfers or car hire, notify the company of your updated arrival time and ask about any change or cancellation fees.

Step 4: Check your travel insurance

Check your travel insurance policy documents to understand what you’re covered for, including specific circumstances that qualify for cancellation or delay claims. With travel insurance from Bank of Ireland Insurance Services, you’re covered for travel cancellation up to €4,000, travel delay up to €200, and missed departure up to €500 (subject to excess, exclusions and limits). You may be able to claim for extra accommodation, meals, transport, or any unused parts of your trip, depending on the situation and level of your cover.

Top tip: Keep all boarding passes, delay/cancellation notices, booking confirmations and receipts for food, transport, and accommodation. These will help support any claim.

Step 5: Stay up to date and plan ahead

Monitor your flight status and check regularly for further updates or changes. If you’re facing a long wait, take care of practical needs: find charging points, stay hydrated, eat regularly, and ensure you have access to any medication you may need.

Need to make a travel insurance claim?

Travel disruptions are never ideal, but knowing what to do can make a stressful situation far more manageable. By staying informed, speaking with your airline early, keeping important documents, and understanding your travel insurance benefits, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any delays or cancellations that come your way. With the right preparation and support, you can get your trip back on track as smoothly as possible, and continue looking forward to the journey ahead.

Need to make a travel insurance claim?

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