What happens when your flight is cancelled?

[Portugal1000]

We are due to fly to Orlando on Friday, Virgin 027. Seen that they have cancelled flights today. What happens? If everything ok by Friday, do we still get to fly or does anyone who had a flight today/tomorrow get to go first. Luckily we only love in Reigate so not far from airport.

Feel terrible for everyone due to fly today, especially anyone where this is their first trip.

My sister was due to fly to Las Vegas today to get married but her flight was cancelled.

Thanks

 

[fizz13]

if everything is ok, then you will get to fly as normal and won't be put to the back of the queue. the airlines have to figure out how to fit in the passengers from the cancelled flights and will offer them refunds or a change of dates.
fingers crossed gatwick will use today to clear runways, put down a ton if grit/ salt and get things up and running for tomorrow morning, ( know it's a long shot to expect normality by tomorrow but here's hoping)

 

[fizz13]

and my sympathies to your sister, I can't imagine the disappointment she must be feeling, I hope she gets something sorted

 

[Portugal1000]

I spoke to my insurance company (Halifax) to ask what would happen if flight cancelled as I had booked my hotel accomodation separately. Very confusing answer. They said if flight cancelled, to be able to claim on insurance, I would still have to go to the airport even if I knew there was no flight. Would then have to get Virgin to confirm in writing that I had turned up at the airport!
Does this sound right? Only then can I claim back for the hotel and car hire.
Sounds crazy to me.

I am hoping I was speaking to someone who doesn't know what he is talking about!

If there is anyone who has had similar experience, I would really appreciate hearing what happened with regards to insurance claim.
Thanks

 

[2Tiggies]

I spoke to my insurance company (Halifax) to ask what would happen if flight cancelled as I had booked my hotel accomodation separately. Very confusing answer. They said if flight cancelled, to be able to claim on insurance, I would still have to go to the airport even if I knew there was no flight. Would then have to get Virgin to confirm in writing that I had turned up at the airport!
Does this sound right? Only then can I claim back for the hotel and car hire.
Sounds crazy to me.

I am hoping I was speaking to someone who doesn't know what he is talking about!

If there is anyone who has had similar experience, I would really appreciate hearing what happened with regards to insurance claim.
Thanks

Technically they do need you to go to the airport as the insurance company will need verification that you didn't just 'not show'. Because this clause usually incorporates more than flights being cancelled due to weather, etc, and flights cancelled with plenty of warning, they will want this vouching. The check in staff/customer services staff will be very familiar with this as it is a standard requirement,. What happens if you physically could not get to the airport though (say you were snowed in for example) I don't know.

 

[disneyholic family]

i hope you're able to get out tomorrow...
i'm keepng my fingers crossed for you!!

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

This all reminds me of our ash cloud fiasco. I have EVERYTHING crossed for you,and lots of

 

[dumboanddumber]

if everything is ok, then you will get to fly as normal and won't be put to the back of the queue. the airlines have to figure out how to fit in the passengers from the cancelled flights and will offer them refunds or a change of dates.
fingers crossed gatwick will use today to clear runways, put down a ton if grit/ salt and get things up and running for tomorrow morning, ( know it's a long shot to expect normality by tomorrow but here's hoping)

Lets hope they ignore your advice to clear the runway with tons of grit salt.
Funnily enough they don't use such a highly corrosive substance anywhere near runways, aircraft and their engines, as surprisingly they don't mix so well.

 

[saratogagirl]

Lets hope they ignore your advice to clear the runway with tons of grit salt.
Funnily enough they don't use such a highly corrosive substance anywhere near runways, aircraft and their engines, as surprisingly they don't mix so well.

Thats a bit harsh, I am sure that Claire was just trying to offer support and good wishes.

 

[fizz13]

Lets hope they ignore your advice to clear the runway with tons of grit salt.
Funnily enough they don't use such a highly corrosive substance anywhere near runways, aircraft and their engines, as surprisingly they don't mix so well.

my apologies, and i stand corrected, the well wishes were heartfelt. However i find it interesting that you used your first post on the boards to have a dig.

 

[fizz13]

Thats a bit harsh, I am sure that Claire was just trying to offer support and good wishes.

of course i was, thank you Jules

 

[2Tiggies]

However i find it interesting that you used your first post on the boards to have a dig.

I saw this and thought the same thing. I was quite chuffed with myself that I managed some self restraint and kept from responding.

 

[Dimplenose]

Technically they do need you to go to the airport as the insurance company will need verification that you didn't just 'not show'. Because this clause usually incorporates more than flights being cancelled due to weather, etc, and flights cancelled with plenty of warning, they will want this vouching. The check in staff/customer services staff will be very familiar with this as it is a standard requirement,. What happens if you physically could not get to the airport though (say you were snowed in for example) I don't know.

I had a flight to Frankfurt cancelled last winter and had to clain for hotel costs.

The hardest part was proving that I'd actually turned up at the airport as I had done online check-in. I think that in the end the insurance comp accepeted a copy of my online check-in e-mail as proof of intent to travel.

If it happened again I think I'd try and get something in writing at the airport.

I didn't have to claim for the flight as that was fully refunded by BA.

I was lucky on two counts 1. I'd paid extra for no excess on my claim 2. I'd booked with an insurer that covers DIY holidays (they don't all do this, although I was unaware of this when booking)

 

[2Tiggies]

If it happened again I think I'd try and get something in writing at the airport.

The insurers I have used have actually recommended this in the detailed breakdown of the cover.

I'd booked with an insurer that covers DIY holidays (they don't all do this, although I was unaware of this when booking)

Do you mind if I ask who you used? I have done my first DIY this year and wondered if I should just go with Direct Travel (I used the Premium Plus one last time and it does cover airline failure as well as cancellation of a trip) or if that is not the best way to go. I have always done packages to Orlando and although any trips abroad elsewhere have been DIY, it has really never been an issue re. accommodation etc as I have stayed with family/friends.

 

[Dimplenose]

Do you mind if I ask who you used?

I used this company

http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk/

I paid a little extra for the excess waiver. Do check that it still covers DIY as it's a year since I used them.

All of the claim dealings were with "Drakefield Insurance Services".

 

[2Tiggies]

I used this company

http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk/

I paid a little extra for the excess waiver. Do check that it still covers DIY as it's a year since I used them.

All of the claim dealings were with "Drakefield Insurance Services".

Thanks Libby. I'll check it out.