• Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation
• Get it in writing
• Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight
• Keep all your documentation
• Need to know more?

You’re at the airport, ready to go and you just found out your flight is not leaving on time. What you do next can make the difference between a successful claim for compensation or a refund, and a long night on an uncomfortable airline bench. 

World Nomads has put together some information that will help guide you if you’re stuck at an airport. The information covers some steps to follow in case your flight is delayed or cancelled, what you’re covered for and what you’re not covered for, and some added tips.

Step 1: Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation

If you know it could be more than a 12-hour period, it’s worth finding out some information which can help if you need to make a claim, or claim compensation or a refund against the airline:

• How long the delay will be; and
• What is the reason for the delay.

Traveler tip 1: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not an Insured Event. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as an Insured Event, there is no cover for that event. Always make sure you read your Policy Wording for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply to you.

2. Get it in writing

Ask the service desk to give you evidence of why it was delayed. Travel insurance covers certain events, so you’ll need to show it was one of these for any claim to be successful. If for example it’s because of bad weather, then ask them to put that in writing for you.  Some of our travelers report service desks have given them proof on letterhead paper at the airport on the spot. If they can't get their customer service and complaints, contact details then initiate contact on the spot.

Step 3: Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight

If you have been left out of pocket or incurred expenses because of the delay, then your first port of call must be to seek compensation. Get the carrier to help rearrange or reschedule your plans or ask for a refund from the airline or travel providers who have not been able to provide their services to you.  And yes – if you decide to claim for any costs you've incurred, then you’ll need evidence you tried to get a refund first.  If you don’t have evidence, we’ll probably ask you for it which may delay any claim you make. We suggest you approach your airline or travel provider first. 

Note: Depending on your Country of Residence you have rights under consumer protection legislation called the consumer guarantee in certain circumstances if your flight is delayed or cancelled. These are enshrined in the Montreal Convention which applies to residents from many countries. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the airline, public transport provider, tour operator, or accommodation provider.

Step 4: Keep all your documentation

If you’re still out of pocket after contacting your airline, travel provider, or accommodation provider for compensation, you can make a claim under your travel insurance.  We will consider all the information available to use and make a decision on your claim.  As part of that process, the more documentation you have to show you have incurred expenses because of a covered event, the more easily and quickly we will be able to determine your claim.

Step 5: Need to know more?

This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Wording will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.

If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.

For more information on delayed and missed flights and how you may be covered read our Help Center article - Travel insurance: delayed and missed flights.

If you’re unsure about your level of cover around trip interruptions, you can read our Help Centre article - What does trip interruption cover?

Traveller tip 2: In many cases flight delays or cancellations have been caused due to strike action. If you would like to know what you may be covered for in case a strike leaves you stuck at the airport read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes?

Note: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline or transport provider should always be your first phone call. You must make every reasonable effort to contact your travel providers as soon as possible to seek compensation or offers to rearrange or reschedule your plans. When applicable you should exercise your rights under consumer protection legislation before deciding to incur additional expenses, change your travel plans or make a claim with us.

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Policy Wording, particularly in the sections of cover that describe cover for 'cancellation' and 'trip interruption’ so there are no surprises if you do need to use it.

Here and the main things that aren’t covered:

• You decline any reasonable alternative service or compensation offered by your airline or other travel service provider.
• You not having allowed for the airline’s official minimum check-in or transit time. For example: not leaving reasonable time for traffic delays is not a claimable event.
• Withdrawal from service, temporarily or otherwise, of the aircraft, coach, train or sea vessel on the order or recommendation of the Civil Aviation Authority or Port Authority or similar body in any country.
• You traveling against the advice of the local or national government authority relevant in the circumstances. We won’t cover any loss, claim or expenses that directly or indirectly relate to or arise from traveling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a government warning of ‘Do Not Travel’ issued by the U.S. Department of State. See - www.state.gov
• Any expenses for delays, rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled public transport services arising from reasons within a carrier’s control, including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, schedule changes, service faults, corporate takeover or industrial activity other than a strike (e.g. overbooking or change of schedule). Note: Compensation should be sought directly from the carrier in these situations.
• If your airline offers you an alternative flight/transport, you are expected to take it, otherwise your cover may also be limited.
• A loss arising from a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel.
• You not providing receipts for your expenses.
• Delays caused by expected and foreseen events that have been covered widely be the media and through official government channels.
• Costs that are unnecessary or extravagant.
• Expenses that are covered by your carrier.

Handy tips if your plans are affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

If you think your travel plans might be affected, you should:  

• Contact your airline, or tour operator to check if any travel services are affected. 
• If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, accommodation provider, or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
• Allow more time to arrive if you know there are strikes occurring that may cause delays, but not prevent you from traveling.
• If you can use eGates then do so, as this may give save you time and alleviate further delays for other passengers.
• Checking in online in advance of arriving at the airport will also reduce potential waiting times for travellers.
• Keep in mind that other ad-hoc events can have further impact on delay times (i.e. weather, increase in passenger numbers etc).

 This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

• Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation
• Get it in writing
• Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight
• Keep all your documentation
• Need to know more?

At World Nomads we’ve been stuck at airports all over the globe and it’s no fun. To avoid you some added pain we have put together some information that will help you know what to do if you’re stuck at an airport, what your covered for, and what you’re not covered for and some added tips.

Step 1: Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation

If you think it could be more than just a short period of time, it’s worth finding out some information which can help if you need to make a claim, or claim compensation or a refund against the airline:

• How long the delay will be; and
• What is the reason for the delay. 

Traveller tip: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not an Insured Event. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as an Insured Event, there is no cover for that event. Always make sure you read your Policy Document for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

2. Get it in writing

Ask the service desk to give you evidence of why it was delayed.  Travel insurance covers certain events, so you’ll need to show it was one of these for any claim to be successful. If for example it’s because of bad weather, then ask them to put that in writing for you.  Some of our travellers report service desks have given them proof on letterhead paper at the airport on the spot – and if they can't get their customer service and complaints contact details and initiative contact on the spot.

Step 3: Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight

If you have been out of pocket or incurred expenses because of the delay then your first port of call must be to seek compensation, help to rearrange or reschedule your plans or a refund from the airline or travel providers who have not been able to provide their services to you.  And yes – if you decide to claim against your travel insurance policy for any costs you've incurred, then you’ll need evidence you tried to get a refund first.  If you don’t have evidence, we’ll probably ask you for it which may delay any claim you make. We suggest you approach your airline or travel provider first.  

Note: In New Zealand you have rights under consumer protection legislation called the consumer guarantee in certain circumstances if your flight is delayed or cancelled.  These are enshrined in the Montreal Convention which applies to residents from many countries.  You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the provider.

Step 4: Keep all your documentation

If you’re still out of pocket after contacting your airline or travel provider for compensation, you can make a claim under your travel insurance.  We will consider all the information available to use and may a decision on your claim.  As part of that process, the more documentation you have to show you have incurred expenses because of a covered event, the more easily and quickly we will be able to determine your claim.

Step 5: Need to know more?

This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Document will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.

If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.

Note: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline or transport provider should always be your first phone call. You must make every reasonable effort to contact your travel providers as soon as possible to seek compensation or offers to rearrange or reschedule your plans. When applicable you should exercise your rights under consumer protection legislation before deciding to incur additional expenses, change your travel plans or make a claim with us.

Flight delayed or cancelled - What's covered?

You may be covered for reasonable and necessary additional expenses, such as transport and accommodation costs, if:

• you’re directly involved in a motor vehicle, railway, air or marine accident causing you to miss your flight
• your flight is delayed due to severe weather, natural disaster, hijacking or strike, including if it causes you to miss a connecting flight.

By ‘reasonable’ we mean the standard of transport or accommodation you were booked to use. If you had an economy class ticket on a flight you’ve missed, you can’t upgrade yourself to business without being able to prove that it was reasonable to do so in the circumstances.

Check your plan’s policy for the benefit limits – they very between our Standard and Explorer plans.

In many cases, if you miss a connection or your flight has been cancelled, your airline may automatically rebook you. Before travel, download your airline’s app, and refresh that as soon as you realize you have got flight issues. The one thing you do not want to rush to do is buy a new flight.   

Traveller tip 2: In many cases flight delays or cancellations have been caused due to strike action. If you would like to know what you may be covered for in case a strike leaves you stuck at the airport read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes?

What to know if you’re making a claim for a missed, or delayed flight

If you end up stuck at in an airport due to a cancelled or delayed flight and you intend to make a claim for unexpected and unavoidable expenses, Some documents you may need to submit include:

• Notice from the travel supplier or carrier confirming the reason, timing and duration of the unexpected event causing the delay, cancellation or interruption; any compensation or offers made to you; and confirmation of your claim and settlement with them, if applicable
• Evidence of any accident such as documentation from an official body in the country where the accident happened: e.g. a police and/or relevant transport authority report
• Documentation to confirm your travel itinerary, vouchers or e-tickets
• Valid documentation from your travel supplier, event organiser or education provider
• All itemised and receipted expenses.

See our article on how to make a claim for more information.   

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Policy Document, particularly in the sections of cover that describe cover for 'cancellation' and 'trip interruption' so there are no surprises if you do need to use it.

Here and the main things that aren’t covered:

• Any expenses for delays, rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled public transport services arising from reasons within a carrier’s control, including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, schedule changes, service faults, corporate takeover or industrial activity other than a strike (e.g. overbooking or change of schedule). Compensation should be sought directly from the carrier in these situations.
• If your airline offers you an alternative flight/transport, you are expected to take it, otherwise your cover may also be limited
• Any claim where you haven’t allowed for the minimum check in or transit time or at least three hours for check in and transit, whatever is longer OR if your travel provider officially requires more than 3 hours then you must allow for this
• Any reason for the delay or missed flight not listed as a covered event, e.g. you missed your fight because of heavy traffic on the way to the airport.
• A loss arising from a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel
• A loss arising from travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a ‘Do not travel’ warning issued by the New Zealand Government (see safetravel.govt.nz)
• You not providing receipts for your expenses
• Delays caused by expected and foreseen events that have been covered widely be the media and through official government channels
• Costs that are unnecessary or extravagant
• Expenses that are covered by your carrier

Handy tips if your plans are affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

If you think your travel plans might be affected, you should:  

1. Contact your airline, or tour operator to check if any travel services are affected. 
2. If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, accommodation provider, or travel agent for assistance in the first instance.
3. Allow more time to arrive if you know there are strikes occurring that may cause delays, but not prevent you from travelling.
4. If you can use eGates then do so, as this may give save you time and alleviate further delays for other passengers.
5. Checking in online in advance of arriving at the airport will also reduce potential waiting times for travellers.
6. Keep in mind that other ad-hoc events can have further impact on delay times (i.e. weather, increase in passenger numbers etc).

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us for help.

The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.

• Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation
• Get it in writing
• Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight
• Keep all your documentation
• Need to know more?

You’re at the airport, ready to go and just found out your flight is not leaving on time. What you do next can make the difference between a successful claim for compensation or a refund, and a long night on an uncomfortable airline bench.

To avoid you added pain we have put together some information that will help if you’re stuck at an airport, what you’re covered for, and what you’re not covered for and some added tips.

Step 1: Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation

If you think it could be more than just a short period of time, it’s worth finding out some information which can help if you need to make a claim, or claim compensation or a refund against the airline:

• How long the delay will be; and
• What is the reason for the delay.

 Traveller tip 1: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not an Insured Event. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as an Insured Event, there is no cover for that event. Always make sure you read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

2. Get it in writing

Ask the service desk to give you evidence of why it was delayed.  Travel insurance covers certain events, so you’ll need to show it was one of these for any claim to be successful. If for example it’s because of bad weather, then ask them to put that in writing for you.  Some of our travellers report service desks have given them proof on letterhead paper at the airport on the spot – and if they can't get their customer service and complaints contact details and initiate contact on the spot

Step 3: Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight

If you have been out of pocket or incurred expenses because of the delay then your first port of call must be to seek compensation, help to rearrange or reschedule your plans or a refund from the airline or travel providers who have not been able to provide their services to you.  And yes – if you decide to claim against your travel insurance policy for any costs you've incurred, then you’ll need evidence you tried to get a refund first.  If you don’t have evidence, we’ll probably ask you for it which may delay any claim you make. We suggest you approach your airline or travel provider first. 

Note: In Australia you have rights under consumer protection legislation called the consumer guarantee in certain circumstances if your flight is delayed or cancelled. These are enshrined in the Montreal Convention which applies to residents from many countries. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the provider.

Step 4: Keep all your documentation

If you’re still out of pocket after contacting your airline or travel provider for compensation, you can make a claim under your travel insurance.  We will consider all the information available to use and may a decision on your claim.  As part of that process, the more documentation you have to show you have incurred expenses because of a covered event, the more easily and quickly we will be able to determine your claim.

Step 5: Need to know more?

This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your PDS will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.

If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.

Note: If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, your airline or transport provider should always be your first phone call. You must make every reasonable effort to contact your travel providers as soon as possible to seek compensation or offers to rearrange or reschedule your plans. When applicable you should exercise your rights under consumer protection legislation before deciding to incur additional expenses, change your travel plans or make a claim with us.

Flight delayed or cancelled - What's covered?

You may be covered for reasonable and necessary additional expenses, such as transport and accommodation costs, if:

• you’re directly involved in a motor vehicle, railway, air or marine accident causing you to miss your flight
• your flight is delayed due to severe weather, natural disaster, hijacking or strike, including if it causes you to miss a connecting flight.

By ‘reasonable’ we mean the standard of transport or accommodation you were booked to use. If you had an economy class ticket on a flight you’ve missed, you can’t upgrade yourself to business without being able to prove that it was reasonable to do so in the circumstances.

Check your plan’s policy for the benefit limits trip interruption expenses - benefit limits vary between the Standard or Explorer plan

In many cases, if you miss a connection or your flight has been cancelled, your airline may automatically rebook you. Before you travel, download your airline’s app, and refresh that as soon as you realize you’ve got flight issues. The one thing you do not want to rush to do is buy a new flight.

Check out our cancellation travel insurance What’s covered article to find out what you may be covered for in case you need to cancel your trip.

Traveller tip 2: In many cases flight delays or cancellations have been caused due to strike action. If you would like to know what you may be covered for in case a strike leaves you stuck at the airport read our Help Centre article – Does travel insurance cover strikes?

What to know if you’re making a claim for a missed, or delayed flight

If you end up stuck at in an airport due to a cancelled or delayed flight and you intend to make a claim for unexpected and unavoidable expenses. Some documents you may need to submit include:

• Notice from the travel supplier or carrier confirming the reason, timing and duration of the unexpected event causing the delay, cancellation or interruption; any compensation or offers made to you; and confirmation of your claim and settlement with them, if applicable
• Evidence of any accident such as documentation from an official body in the country where the accident happened: e.g. a police and/or relevant transport authority report
• Documentation to confirm your travel itinerary, vouchers or e-tickets
• Valid documentation from your travel supplier, event organiser or education provider
• All itemised and receipted expenses.

See our article on how to make a claim for more information.   

What’s not covered

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything, so take the time to read the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the PDS, particularly in the sections of cover that describe cover for 'cancellation' and 'trip interruption' so there are no surprises if you do need to use it.

Remember, if your airline offers you an alternative flight/transport, you are expected to take it, otherwise your cover may also be limited. You will  need receipts for any expenses you plan to claim for.

Here and the main things that aren’t covered:

• Any expenses for delays, rescheduling or cancellation of scheduled public transport. services arising from reasons within a carrier’s control, including but not limited to maintenance, repairs, schedule changes, service faults, corporate takeover or industrial activity other than a strike (e.g. overbooking or change of schedule). Compensation should be sought directly from the carrier in these situations.
• Any claim where you haven’t allowed for the minimum check-in or transit time or at least three hours for check-in and transit, whatever is longer OR if your travel provider officially requires more than three hours then you must allow for this.
• Any reason for the delay or missed flight not listed as a covered event, e.g. you missed your fight because of heavy traffic on the way to the airport.
• A loss arising from a change of mind, disinclination or reluctance to travel.
• A loss arising from travelling to, planning to travel to, or choosing to remain in a country or region that is the subject of a ‘Do not travel’ warning issued by the Australian Government (see smartraveller.gov.au).
• Delays caused by expected and foreseen events that have been widely covered by the media and through official government channels.
• Costs that are unnecessary or extravagant.
• Expenses that are covered by your carrier.

Handy tips if your plans are affected by a delayed or cancelled flight

If you think your travel plans might be affected, you should:  

1. Contact your airline or tour operator to check if any travel services are affected. 
2. If you need to change your travel arrangements, contact your airline, accommodation provider, or travel agent for assistance in the first instance. 
3. Allow more time if you know there are strikes occurring that may cause delays but not prevent you from travelling.
4. If you can use eGates then do so, as this may give save you time and alleviate further delays for other passengers.
5. Checking in online in advance of arriving at the airport will also reduce potential waiting times for travellers.
6. Keep in mind that other ad-hoc events can have further impact on delay times (i.e. weather, increase in passenger numbers etc).

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel cover, please contact us.

• Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation
• Get it in writing
• Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight
• Keep all your documentation
• Need to know more?

You’re at the airport, ready to go and just found out your flight is not leaving on time...

What you do next can make the difference between a successful claim for compensation or a refund, and a long night on an uncomfortable airline bench.

To avoid added pain we have put together some information that will help you know what to do if you’re stuck at an airport, what you’re covered for, what you’re not covered for, and some added tips.

Step 1: Find out the reason for the flight delay or cancellation

If you think it could be more than just a short period of time, it’s worth finding out some information which can help if you need to make a claim or claim compensation or a refund against the airline. You’ll need to know:

• How long the delay will be; and
• What is the reason for the delay.

2. Get it in writing

Ask the service desk to give you evidence of why the flight was delayed. Travel insurance covers certain events, so you’ll need to show it was one of these for any claim to be successful. If for example the delay is because of bad weather, ask the airline to put that in writing for you. Some of our travelers report service desks have given them proof on letterhead paper at the airport. If they can't, then get their customer service and complaints contact details and initiate contact on the spot.

Step 3: Get a refund or get the carrier to reschedule your flight

If you have incurred expenses because of the delay, your first port of call must be to seek help from the airline or travel provider that has not been able to provide services to you. Ask them to rebook or reaccommodate you or ask for compensation or a refund. And yes – if you decide to claim against your travel insurance policy for any costs you've incurred, then you’ll need evidence you tried to get a refund from the airline first. If you don’t have evidence, we’ll probably ask you for it, which may delay any claim you make, so we suggest you approach your airline or travel provider first. You must accept any reasonable alternative options offered by the provider.

Step 4: Keep all your documentation

If you’re still out of pocket after contacting your airline or travel provider for compensation, you can make a claim under your travel insurance. We will consider all the information available to make a decision on your claim. As part of that process, the more documentation you have that can show you’ve incurred expenses because of a covered event, the more easily and quickly we will be able to determine your claim.

Traveler tip: if you are going to miss your flight because you’re just running late, that’s not an Insured Event. Under World Nomads policies, if an event is not specifically listed as an Insured Event, there is no cover for that event. Always make sure you read your Policy Wording for a full description of the coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions that apply.

Step 5: Need to know more?

This information may help if things go wrong, and you want to make a claim. All travel insurance plans are different, and cover will vary, depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy. Your Policy Wording will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.

If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, just ask us.