Airline strikes can throw a wrench into even the most meticulously planned trips. You might find yourself grounded, missing connecting flights, or even having your entire vacation derailed. So, the big question is: Are Strikes Covered By Travel Insurance? Let’s dive into the details.
Be sure to carefully review your specific travel insurance policy documents before you travel to understand the extent of your coverage. Each plan has its own exclusions and specifics. The Allyz® TravelSmart app provides convenient access to your plan details and customer service contact information should you have any questions.
Understanding Airline Strikes and Travel Disruptions
Recently, there has been an increase in airline strikes across Europe and other regions. These strikes often stem from airline employees protesting overworking conditions and insufficient pay. The COVID-19 pandemic led to substantial layoffs across the airline industry, impacting everyone from flight attendants to baggage handlers. As travel demand surged back, airlines struggled to rehire staff with the necessary experience and security clearances.
The remaining employees are often left feeling overwhelmed and undercompensated, leading to waves of strikes aimed at forcing airlines to negotiate better working conditions.
What Happens to Your Travel Plans When an Airline Strikes?
The impact of an airline strike can vary. Some strikes are scheduled for a single day, while others occur on a rolling basis over several weeks. There’s always a chance that your specific flight might not be affected. However, generally, airline strikes can lead to significant disruptions, including:
- Longer lines at airports
- Increased instances of mishandled baggage
- Overwhelmed customer service representatives
If your flight is canceled due to a strike, the airline will typically try to rebook you on a flight with a partner airline. However, keep in mind that you will be one of many passengers affected by the disruption, and rebooking priority will often be given to loyalty program members and frequent fliers. If the airline cannot find an alternative flight for you, your trip may be canceled entirely.
How Travel Insurance Can Help During Airline Strikes
If your travel insurance plan includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, and travel delay benefits, you may be entitled to coverage for losses incurred due to an airline strike. Here are some specific scenarios:
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Flight Cancellation and Extended Delay: If an airline strike causes a delay of at least 24 consecutive hours, preventing you from reaching your destination, it can be a covered reason for trip cancellation. This allows you to cancel your trip and file a claim for pre-paid, non-refundable trip costs.
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Tour Cancellation: If a tour operator cancels a multi-day tour due to an airline strike (excluding strikes by the tour operator’s employees), this may also be a covered reason for trip cancellation.
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Travel Delay: If a strike causes a travel delay as defined in your plan, your trip delay benefits can cover expenses such as meals, hotel stays, and other eligible costs. You may also be reimbursed for the portion of the trip you miss.
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Extended Travel Delay During Your Trip: If a strike makes you miss at least 50% of your trip or prevents you from reaching your destination for at least 24 hours, it could be a covered reason for trip interruption.
Alternative Travel Arrangements and Travel Insurance
If an airline strike leads to the cancellation of your flight and you need to find alternative travel arrangements to reach your destination, travel insurance can help. Many plans offer coverage to reimburse you for alternative transportation costs (minus any available refunds).
For instance, if a flight to Amsterdam is canceled due to a strike, causing you to miss the embarkation of a Rhine River cruise, you might book a flight on another airline to Cologne to catch up with the cruise. In this scenario, your trip interruption benefits could reimburse you for the cost of the new flight, as well as the missed portion of the cruise.
While it’s always best to work directly with the airline to find the quickest solution, your travel insurance provider’s 24-hour assistance can help research options and assist with booking alternative travel.
When Travel Insurance Won’t Cover Airline Strikes
It’s crucial to understand that travel insurance typically does not cover foreseeable events. If a strike was already threatened or announced before you purchased your trip or before your coverage effective date, any losses related to that strike are generally not covered.
Before booking your trip or purchasing insurance, check online for any strike announcements related to your airline. If a strike is planned around the time of your travel, consider flying with a different carrier.
Additionally, for trip cancellation and interruption coverage, losses related to strikes are not covered if the striking workers are employed by the travel carrier (or an affiliate) from which you purchased your policy.
Airline Compensation and Strike Disruptions
If you are flying to or from the United States, airlines are required to refund your fare and fees if your flight is canceled or significantly changed, and you reject the alternative flight offered. This refund may be provided as a flight voucher. Airlines may also offer vouchers for meals and accommodations, but this is not mandatory.
For flights to or from an airport in the European Union, you may be able to claim compensation (up to 600 euros) for flight delays of 3 hours or more. However, compensation may be waived if the delay was caused by “extraordinary circumstances,” which airlines may argue include strikes.
Coverage for Other Types of Strikes
Travel insurance coverage isn’t limited to airline strikes. Strikes by train workers, cruise ship workers, and bus drivers may also be covered. However, it’s important to note that travel disruptions caused by civil disorder or unrest are typically excluded from coverage. So, if a strike escalates into widespread demonstrations or shutdowns, the resulting travel disruption may not be covered.
Planning your next trip? Consider purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible to protect yourself against unforeseen events. Get a quote now to find the right coverage for your needs.
