Thousands look to travel insurance as weather causes chaos

Thousands of holidaymakers whose trips have been delayed or cancelled due to this week's bad weather should check their travel insurance to see if they can claim compensation.

Several UK airports were plunged into chaos this week when the heaviest snowfalls for 30 years forced some to ground all flights.

Worst hit were Bristol (www.bristolairport.co.uk) and Cardiff (www.tbi.cardiffairport.com) airports, both of which were closed on Wednesday while staff tried to clear the runways of snow and ice.

Gatwick Airport (www.gatwickairport.com) closed its runway on Wednesday morning, though the airport terminal buildings remained open. Many departing and arriving flights were severely delayed. British Airways (www.ba.com) and easyJet (www.easyjet.com) cancelled all their flights from Gatwick on Wednesday morning.

Flights were also disrupted at Birmingham (www.birminghamairport.co.uk), Manchester (www.manchesterairport.co.uk), Luton (www.london-luton.co.uk), Stansted (www.stanstedairport.com) and Heathrow (www.heathrowairport.com)

Unfortunately delayed passengers will not be able to claim compensation from the airlines involved as European regulations state that no payouts are due where cancellations are caused by adverse weather.

Those who bought travel insurance before the bad weather was forecast should be able to claim compensation for long delays and cancellations. They are advised to check the small print of their travel insurance documents or call their broker for advice.

Passengers who were unable to reach their airport because of the treacherous driving conditions on many of the country's roads or due to cancelled train services should also check their travel insurance terms and conditions.

Many train operators were running reduced timetables. For further information about delays, contact National Rail Enquiries at www.nationalrail.co.uk_disruptions or call the weather helpline on 08453 017 641.

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