Airline strike travel insurance

Key takeaways 

• Travel insurance may cover disruptions caused by airline strikes but you need to check your policy wording  

• To make an insurance claim for travel disruption gather evidence such as your holiday or flight booking confirmation and communication from the airline 

• You may be able to claim compensation directly from the airline for a delayed or cancelled flight due to an airline strike 

 Will travel insurance cover me for an airline strike? 

Yes, some travel insurance does include cover for airline strikes - check the 'covered reasons' section of your travel insurance policy documents to see if ‘strike action’ or ‘travel disruption’ is mentioned. 

If your travel insurance covers strikes, there may be specific clauses that apply for you to make a claim, such as: 

• The strike must have been announced after you purchased your insurance 

• You must have checked in for your flight before the strike was declared 

What is travel disruption cover? 

Travel disruption cover is a type of insurance that protects against unexpected events that interrupt your travel plans, including flight cancellations, delays, and other interruptions typically beyond your control. 

Unlike standard travel insurance, which covers things like medical emergencies or lost luggage, this cover focuses on travel disruption. 

In the event of an airline strike, this cover could help manage the costs of booking new flights or accommodation, and might also cover additional expenses, such as meals and transport, while you wait for a resolution. 

But it’s important to check your policy details to understand what is and isn't covered, as cover can vary widely between providers. 

How do I make an insurance claim for strike-related disruption? 

To claim insurance for strike-related disruptions, you should: 

• Contact your insurance provider promptly to inform it of the issue 

• Follow your insurer’s instructions for submitting a claim, which may require specific forms or additional documentation 

• Make sure you have your booking confirmation and any communication from the airline regarding the strike 

Can I get additional compensation for an airline strike? 

Yes, you may be able to claim compensation from the airline for a strike under EU Regulation 261/2004, which is part of UK law, but it depends on the circumstances of the airline strike. 

A compensation claim is usually only possible if: 

• Airline employees, such as pilots, cabin crew and check-in staff, are on strike (strikes by other staff, such as baggage handlers, air traffic controllers, airport security and border control, are considered ‘extraordinary circumstances’, beyond the airline’s control) 

• The strike has resulted in a flight delay of three hours or more, or a flight cancellation 

• It is a UK or EU airline and the destination is in the EU or UK 

When the airline told you about the flight cancellation is also important. If they inform you: 

• More than 14 days before your departure date: you should be offered a replacement flight or a full refund 

• Less than 14 days before your departure date: you should be offered a replacement flight or a full refund and you may be able to claim compensation, depending on the timings of your replacement flight 

Am I eligible for ‘care and assistance’ at the airport? 

Under UK law, if your flight is delayed for at least two hours (for a short-haul flight of under 1,500km) or it’s cancelled, the airline must provide you with a reasonable level of ‘care and assistance’. This includes: 

• Food and drink - usually provided as a voucher 

• Communication - they may refund the cost of your phone calls 

• Hotel accommodation - if an overnight stay or longer is necessary 

• Transport between the hotel and airport 

• The law applies to flights departing from a UK airport on any airline, arriving at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at a EU airport on a UK airline. 

The length of the delay must be: 

• More than two hours for a short-haul flight of under 1,500km 

• More than three hours for a medium-haul flight of 1,500km to 3,500km 

• More than four hours for a long-haul flight of over 3,500km 

How do I apply for compensation for an airline strike? 

To apply for compensation, you typically need to contact the airline directly, and follow its claims procedure. 

You will need to provide details of your disrupted flight and additional expenses incurred such as transport, accommodation and food and drink, if the airline was unable to arrange care and assistance at the time. 

Remember that compensation for a delayed or cancelled flight might not cover all of your costs so it might still be worthwhile having travel disruption insurance. 

What should I do if I think a strike will disrupt my holiday? 

Should I cancel my flight if there is a threat of a strike? 

No. If you cancel before an official strike announcement, you may lose eligibility for a refund or free rebooking, which could leave you out of pocket. You should check your airline's policy on pre-strike cancellations. They usually only offer flexibility once a strike is confirmed. 

You could explore alternatives to cancellation, such as rebooking for a different date or using alternative transport methods. This approach can provide peace of mind and potentially save you from additional expense.

I have to travel, should I book an alternative flight immediately? 

If postponing your trip is not an option, it may be worth booking an alternative flight. 

Start by checking availability across various airlines, focusing on both direct and connecting flights. Websites and apps that compare prices are useful as they provide a snapshot of the best deals at a glance. However, it is important to weigh up the cost against convenience. Sometimes, paying more for a direct flight is worthwhile as it saves you time and extra stress. 

Before booking, check the cancellation policy as you might need flexibility if the strike situation changes. 

How long do airline strikes last? 

Airline strikes may only last a day or two at a time or they could go on for several weeks. 

Strikes typically occur when disputes arise between airline staff and employers over issues such as pay, working conditions, contracts or job security. 

The duration of the strike often reflects the depth of disagreements between airline management and staff, the effectiveness of negotiations and the demands of the workforce. 

What if my flight is delayed for another reason? 

Adverse weather conditions, technical aircraft issues, or air traffic control problems are common reasons for flight delays. 

Each situation may entitle you to different compensation and assistance, depending on the airline's policies and the specific circumstances. 

You can read the airline's delay policy when booking your ticket - this information is usually available on the airline's website. 

If you are caught in a delay, contact the airline staff at the airport for the most current information and guidance. They may offer meals and refreshments, or accommodation if the delay extends overnight. 

Check if your travel insurance covers delays caused by these non-strike issues. Some policies provide compensation for delays, which can help mitigate inconvenience or additional expenses. Always keep receipts of any extra spending as you may need them to claim compensation later. 

How can I find the right travel insurance? 

Assess the level of cover you need based on your destination, trip length, and planned activities 

Compare quotes from different insurers to find the best price for the type of cover you want. Don't want more tasks on your to-do list? MoneySuperMarket can do the work for you, saving you time and money 

Check customer reviews to gauge the reliability and service of the insurance company 

Pay close attention to specific clauses in travel insurance policies, including cover for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and delays 

Review exclusions that might affect you, such as pre-existing medical conditions or adventure sports, to ensure your policy fits your specific needs.