More than half of Brits have had to cancel a holiday at least once, according to new research from travel insurance company Gigasure. The International Air Transport Association warns that disruption linked to political tensions remains a key risk for airlines, with millions of passengers affected. Operational issues, including fuel shortages, continue to impact airline schedules as a knock-on effect.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority notes that flight disruption is a persistent issue for UK travellers, with delays and cancellations often peaking during busy travel periods such as summer holidays.
Gary Murphy, travel insurance expert at Gigasure, said: “It’s important to check that your insurance policy financially reimburses you should you need to cancel a trip. Many travellers delay buying insurance until they travel, but this can leave them exposed if something forces them to cancel before they even depart.
“Individuals who have not yet booked arrangements for summer trips should consider purchasing flexible tickets or booking trips covered under package travel regulations to ensure they are protected if something disrupts their travel plans.
“Each policy will be different, but travel insurance is unlikely to cover additional travel or accommodation costs incurred if a trip is impacted by cancellations due to fuel shortages. Travellers should check the terms and conditions of their insurance policy carefully to understand exactly what they are covered for.”
Five tips to safeguard your holiday
- Buy travel insurance early – ideally as soon as you book, so you’re covered for cancellations before departure.
- Check cancellation cover limits – make sure they reflect the full cost of your trip.
- Understand what’s included – not all policies cover disruption caused by events like fuel shortages or airline operational issues, so check the terms and conditions.
- Consider flexible bookings – refundable or changeable options can offer added protection.
- Book package holidays where possible – these offer additional legal protection under UK regulations.
