CAA report shows 27% of charter flights delayed: Your rights and travel insurance cover

Flight delays decreased over the peak summer months this year, but over 20% of flights were still delayed by 15 minutes or more. We tell you how to find out what your rights are and how travel insurance can help.

Figures published by the CAA today show that flight punctuality during the peak summer months improved year on year, however with 21% of scheduled flights and 27% of charter flights suffering a delay of 15 minutes or more there is still room for further improvement.

From July to September 2011, 79% of scheduled flights were on-time, compared to 72% for the same period on 2010. The most significant improvements were seen on scheduled flights from Stansted, Gatwick and Luton.

Punctuality on charter flights improved across the board, 73% of charter flights were on-time compared to just 62% for the same period of 2010.

Under EU law, if your flight is delayed for a long period of time your airline has a duty to look after you, providing refreshments and accommodation if necessary. Your entitlement varies according the length of your delay and the distance you are due to fly. For more information on air passenger rights visit: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passenger-rights/en/index.html

If you do experience a long flight delay travel insurance can also help. Insurewithease.com provides cover under the Travel Delay section of our travel insurance policies if your outbound flight from the UK or your return flight into the UK is delayed due to bad weather, strike or industrial action or mechanical breakdown.

If your flight is delayed by more than 12 hours, you will be entitled to claim a fixed benefit, the amount will differ depending on whether you bought our Silver, Gold or Platinum travel insurance cover. This travel delay benefit is designed to help you cover the cost of extra, unexpected expenses, such as food and drink, whilst you are waiting at the airport.

If your outbound flight is delayed by more than 24 hours, your travel insurance policy allows you to ‘abandon' your holiday and make a claim for the cost of the holiday, up to the limit stated in the Cancellation section of your travel insurance policy. Again, this amount will depending on whether you chose Silver, Gold or Platinum travel insurance cover.

In order to make a claim for travel delay on your travel insurance policy you must have checked in at the airport with the intention of travelling and you will need to obtain a letter from your airline detailing the length and reason for the delay.

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