Travellers are warned to check their travel insurance policies before booking a flight to ensure they're not left out of pocket.
Yesterday British Airways announced it was cancelling another 1,500 flights over the next two months, adding further misery to a summer that has been typified by delays and groundings for the travel industry.
Because the UK's flag carrier scrapped most of the services two weeks or more before they were due to depart, bumped passenger are only entitled to a refund - not compensation.
For some spurned customers no alternative flight may be feasible for them, meaning they risk losing money on already booked accommodation and holiday activities.
Another potential hurdle for travellers comes in the form of airport delays due to airline or check-in issues, which can have a serious knock-on effect on connecting flights and holiday activities.
Sometimes airlines aren't required to pay compensation if a flight is delayed or cancelled, typically if the reason why is out of their hands such as air traffic control issues. (However if your flight is cancelled by an airline, you're entitled to a refund - more on that here ).
To avoid finding yourself out of pocket, it's key to choose a travel insurance policy which protects you fully in the event of a cancellation or delay, whoever is to blame.
Some travel insurance policies provide cover for delay, which becomes applicable if your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours due to strike, adverse weather or mechanical breakdown.
Others will cover you when an airline won't offer a refund, such as if you need to cancel your trip because of illness, injury or bereavement.
It's also important to check whether you policy will protect you in the event of a strike, with industrial action at UK air bases likely over the next two months.
Which? assessed 199 policies offered by 71 providers and rated them dependent on the level of protection offered in 61 key areas for its annual review of travel insurance.
It found just 60% of the policies covered travellers if a trip has to be cancelled due to strikes.
Below is a list of insurers which will cover you in the event of a delay, even if your airline isn't stumping up.
It is worth noting that the list is not comprehensive, and that policies should be read thoroughly before insurance is bought. Always read through the full details before buying a policy so you're clear on what's covered.
Sainsbury's
The supermarket also has an insurance wing, which pays delayed customers £25 for each hour of delay, up to £250 in its silver policy, and £500 in its platinum policy.
Customer can claim up to £7,500 if they abandon their trip under the most comprehensive package.
LV
LV's Premier policy offers, per person on a policy, up to £10,000 if their holiday is cancelled or abandoned because of delays and £1,000 for additional transport and accommodation costs.
Travellers can also claim £250 expenses when you’re delayed at the departure point and £10,000 should their travel provider go bankrupt.
Good to go
Goodtogoinsurance.com offers Gold and Platinum policies which not only provides cover for those caught up in airport delays, but gives travellers the option to 'abandon' their holiday and make a claim to recoup the cost of unused flights and accommodation.
AA
AA's must comprehensive policy pays out £30 after at least six hours delay, followed by £10 per each full six hours' delay up to a maximum of £100.
Cover of up to £1,000 is offered for missed departures.
Post Office
The best Post Office cover will pay out up to £150 (£50 for each four hours) for delayed departure and up to £50 for a lounge voucher.
In the case of a miss flight, the policy pays out up to £1,500 for additional travel and accommodation costs if you arrive too late to travel.
