Generally speaking, if the delays were due to a reason outside of the airline's control (such as bad weather) airlines are not liable to offer you compensation. In such circumstances, travellers may be entitled to claim for accommodation, travel and meal expenses from their travel insurer.
Natalie Ball, director of Comparetravelinsurance.co.nz says that under certain circumstances, travellers can turn to comprehensive travel insurance to recoup flight costs and pre-paid accommodation expenses.
"If you do experience a flight cancellation due to bad weather or a natural disaster, travel insurance will cover your pre-paid expenses should you be unable to receive compensation from the airline. You'll also be reimbursed for any additional expenses such as your meals and accommodation if you're delayed for more than a six-hour period."
What are passengers entitled to when there's a flight delay?
Airlines operating domestic flights within New Zealand are required to compensate passengers who are delayed or have their flights cancelled as a result of mechanical or internal airline issues. However, airlines are not obligated to compensate passengers if the delay was caused by factors beyond the airline's control (such as bad weather).
In light of the current state of air travel seen across New Zealand, it is unlikely that travellers will see their costs covered which is where travel insurance may be of assistance.
What do you do if you have connecting flights with another airline?
Should you have a connecting flight to catch, it would be your airline's responsibility to find you the fastest alternative flight to meet your connection. However, if no alternative flights are available, forcing you to book with a different carrier, it is uncertain whether you would receive due compensation from the original carrier. This is where travel insurance may come to the rescue. If you have a comprehensive policy and have a planned event to reach, travel insurance will often reimburse you for the cost of alternative transport to reach your event on time.
What preventative measures can you take to lessen the impact of flight delays?
It's always smart practice to invest in travel insurance prior to your trip. In chaotic circumstances, travel insurance can cover you for cancellation fees and lost deposits in the event of a technical outage.
"A comprehensive policy will often cover your alternative travel expenses to reach a planned event on time if your scheduled transport is delayed or cancelled," Ball says.
"If you're still unable to make it, you may be able to seek reimbursement of your travel arrangements, such as prepaid event tickets and accommodation under Cancellation and Lost Deposits. Be aware however, that such claims would be assessed on a case-by-case basis."
Where connecting flights are involved, it's also a good idea to book each leg of your journey with the same airline where possible to allow easier rescheduling in circumstance like this.
Consumers should also be mindful that the type of cover they purchase would make all the difference. For instance, a basic, medical-only policy wouldn't help you out in this instance.
Top tip:
When it comes to cancellation cover for events such as a natural disaster, cut-off dates usually apply. This means that once a snowstorm or earthquake has been reported in the media, you can no longer buy insurance for that specific event. Purchasing a policy well in advance of your trip will ensure you're covered if a crisis occurs.
What do you need to have ready to claim for missed flights?
• Proof proof proof: If you experience delays or cancellation of any sort you will always need written proof of the cancellation or delay from the airline.
• Contact your insurer: Before you go ahead and pay for any extra accommodation or flights check in with your insurer that they will cover any added costs.
• Alert the relevant authority: If you're involved in a road traffic accident that stops you from making your flight, make sure you get evidence from the transport authority in that destination.
• Health check: If you cannot travel for health reasons, make sure you get a 'note' from your doctor
