Travel disruption - what is it, do I need cover and how do I cope?

17th Dec 2024

Although it usually only happens from time to time, travel disruption can be a stressful, scary, and often expensive experience.

Flight disruptions can occur unexpectedly, strike action can last for days, and stormy weather could mean your cruise of a lifetime is quite literally left at sea.

It’s important in these situations to know how best to deal with the situation, and what you could be entitled to as a result of travel disruption.

In this holidays abroad guide, we give you all the information regarding the impact of travel disruption.

Examples of travel disruption

Travel disruptions can take many forms, affecting both short-term and long-term travel plans for millions of Brits every year.

Here are some common examples:

Flight, train, and ferry cancellations and delays: This can be caused by weather, natural disasters, technical problems, staffing issues, and overbooking seats.
Traffic and road closures: Often this is as a result of car accidents, highway maintenance, weather, or issues with border crossings.
Airport security or passport control: Long lines due to heightened security measures can delay passengers from boarding their flights.
Geopolitical instability: Strikes, protests, political unrest, and conflicts can lead to transportation shutdowns or significant disruptions.
Pandemics: Sudden quarantines or health warnings can delay travel. This was common during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tech problems: Issues with online booking platforms, airports, ports, security, and with transportation, can prevent travellers from continuing their journey.

What causes a flight delay?

Flight delays across the world can be caused by a variety of factors, often involving a mix of technical, operational, societal, political, weather, and environmental issues.

Common reasons include storms, heavy rain, snow, thunder, or strong winds which can affect flight schedules by making it unsafe to take off, land, or navigate through certain areas.

Also, busy airports or crowded airspace can lead to delays as air traffic controllers manage the flow of planes.

Before a flight can depart, planes need to be thoroughly checked and maintained. If mechanical or technical problems are identified, repairs may be needed, causing an interruption to the flight schedule.

Overbooking, boarding delays and security concerns can result in a delay.

Passenger rights

Your rights as a passenger will depend on where you are flying to or from, the small print in your travel documentation, how long you were delayed and your travel insurance policy. If the disruption has been caused by your airline or cruise ship operator, you could also be entitled to financial compensation.

Flight delay compensation

If your flight has been delayed by more than three hours you can usually claim financial support from your airline. The amount you can claim will depend on the distance of the flight and the time you were delayed. For example, a journey of over 3,500 km that has been delayed for more than four hours could give you up to £520 in compensation.

You will also be entitled to the following:

Refreshments and meals
Two free phone calls
Accommodation if you have been delayed overnight
Transport back to the airport if you have been delayed overnight

Passengers delayed by five hours or more have the right to cancel their flight and receive a full refund. It is worth noting that if your flight is delayed by circumstances outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather, civil unrest, or airport closure, you will not be entitled to extra financial compensation.

Cancelled flight, what are my rights?

There can be few things worse than reaching the airport only to be told your flight has been cancelled. If this is the case, your airline is obligated to help you, and you have the right to a full refund if you decide not to travel.

If you decide you still want to get to your destination, you are entitled to take alternative travel to or close to your destination. RAC travel insurance policies include cancellation cover as standard so don’t forget to arrange suitable travel disruption insurance before you leave home.

I missed my flight, what now?

Held up by public transport strikes, a road accident, or problems with your vehicle? Don’t panic - RAC can cover you for a missed departure, but it is a good idea to read your policy wording so you know what documentation we will need to support your claim.

Checking public transport connections, ensuring your car is roadworthy and being clear about connecting flight times will help you to avoid missed departures.

ATOL Protected: what does it mean?

If you have booked your trip with an ATOL protected travel company, that’s great news. It means you are covered should travel company you are due to travel with go out of business.

This has happened to many travellers in the past, often without warning and sometimes when they are already on holiday, leaving them stranded for many days.

The following items are covered if you book with an ATOL protected travel operator:

Package holidays booked directly with the travel operator or through a travel agency
Flights, accommodation, and car hire booked separately, but on the same or next day with your travel operator
Flights booked with an ATOL tour operator for which you don’t receive tickets immediately

You can ask your ATOL protected Travel Company to send a copy of an ATOL certificate. We recommend that you carry this with you along with your other essential travel documents.

Travel disruption insurance

RAC Travel Insurance offers three levels of cover plus a range of optional travel options that give you the highest level of protection for your trip.

If you're travelling to Europe and looking to drive during your trip, then the RAC offers European breakdown cover to give you complete peace of mind if your vehicle breaks down, even during a one-off trip.