Southern Cross Travel Insurance has devised an action plan to help travellers deal with cancelled flights – something that insurers could share with their customers.
“Having a cancelled flight can throw your whole holiday into disarray. It’s something you never plan for, but there are a few proven steps to getting your holiday back on track as soon as possible,” said Chris White, chief executive at Southern Cross Travel Insurance.
Above all, Southern Cross Travel Insurance reminded travellers to focus on flight bookings and accommodation.
It advised travellers to check with their airline or travel agency before deciding to rebook another flight as it is likely that the airline would have already rebooked the customer to the next available departure. If the flight was rebooked to the following day, travellers should check with their airline for accommodation concerns, including reimbursement policies.
“Most airlines have procedures in such circumstances and offer vouchers for meals and hotel transfers, so it’s important to ask,” the insurer added.
After dealing with transport or accommodation, the insurer reminded travellers to ask the airline for an insurance letter, which states the reason for the flight’s cancellation and is required by most travel insurers.
It is also best to think of any further implications for the rest of the trip, especially if the traveller’s timeline is pushed out due to the flight delays.
“For example, if you’re travelling overseas to attend a special event, such as a wedding, funeral, conference, concert, show, festival or sporting event, Southern Cross Travel Insurance will pay up to $3,000 per person, to a maximum of $6,000 per journey, towards reasonable additional costs of alternative transport that will help you to get to your special event on time,” the insurer explained.
Southern Cross Travel Insurance also emphasised the importance of bringing a copy of the insurance policy on the journey, checking the document for possible compensation, and saving the insurer’s contact details in case the traveller is faced with more issues.
