Volcanic Ash Flight Delays

How do these delays affect my Travel Insurance

Volcanic ash from Iceland's Grimsvotn volcano has drifted above Scotland and Northern Ireland today 23rd May 2011.

This has affected flights from Scotland and Northern Ireland today and about 500 flights have been cancelled across Europe on Tuesday 24th May 2011.

We regularly check the latest travel information regarding the volcanic ash below.

We partner the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Know Before you Go Campaign who also offer useful advice if you are stranded abroad.

You should contact your airline, tour operator or travel agent for the most up to date information regarding your flight/trip and the options that are available to you.

Useful FAQ'S For our existing travel insurance policy holders.

Does my travel insurance policy cover me if my flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of the ash cloud?

In the event that your flight is cancelled or delayed as a consequence of the effects of the ash cloud, your travel policy does not unfortunately provide cover for any loss or any additional expenses incurred arising from this eventuality.

What should I do if my flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of the ash cloud?

If your flight is delayed or cancelled as a consequence of the effects of the ash cloud, we would refer you in the first instance to contact the airline or travel agent with whom you had booked as the airline should offer you either a full refund of your unused ticket or an alternative flight. In addition, EU based airlines are required to offer you accommodation and meals if you are delayed in getting home to the UK.

I have a travel insurance policy with you but I cannot travel and have rebooked with different dates?

If your travel dates have changed due to the volcanic ash then contact our call centre where we can then amend the dates of your policy to cover your revised travel arrangements, so long as the trip is for the same duration and to the same area.

If my flight is cancelled and I do not travel can I get a refund?

If your flight is cancelled and you do not travel, We will refund your premium if you took out a single trip policy (so long a no claim is being made). Please contact us on 01392 287 418 and we will organise the refund of your payment.

I am already stranded abroad, does my policy still cover me?

If you are stranded abroad due to the Ash Cloud, Mondial Assistance will automatically extend your period of cover until you are able to return to the UK (up to a maximum of 31 days).

I now don't want to travel because of the ash cloud, will I still be covered on my travel insurance policy?

Deciding that you no longer wish to travel will not be covered by your travel insurance policy.

Please Note: Customers purchasing a new policy from 23 May onwards for travel over the next few weeks would generally not be covered for this event as the Volcanic Ash Cloud was a known event when the policy was purchased.

 

For further information check the CAA website

 

Latest Travel Information Update: 24th May 2011 17.22

  • 500 flights have been cancelled across europe today. UK air traffic control service Nats said the ash cloud would continue to affect flights from some airports in Scotland and northern England from 1900 BST on Tuesday until 0100 BST on Wednesday.

Latest Travel Information Update: 25th May 2011 09.12

  • Germany is closing its northern airspace today. Bremen and Hamburg airports have already closed with traffic at Berlin's airports due to stop from 1100 (0900GMT). Lufthansa, the national carrier, said it expected a total of 150 of its flights to be cancelled. Flights in Scotland and Northern England have now resumed but some delays are to be expected.

Latest Travel Information Update: 26th May 2011 12.44

  • The Met Office has today confirmed that the volcanic ash cloud should not now pose any threat to those planning a getaway over the bank holiday weekend. The situation is 'improving' with a much reduced concentration of ash drifting over the UK at 35,000-55,000 feet. The Civil Aviation Authority confirmed no flights from the UK should be disrupted at the weekend subjct to the current forecasts in weather. Eruptions from Iceland’s Grimsvotn volcano have now stopped but we suggest you still check with your airline for any changes.