Passengers of British Airways who had plans to fly during the strike dates should check their travel insurance to see if they are covered for delay and abandonment cover, says Gocompare.
Some travel insurance policies will pay out if passengers are left at departures when British Airways cabin crew go on strike between 20 and 31 March, which is likely to disrupt flights for the entire period and also a few days following to deal with the backlog of cancelled and delayed flights.
When travellers could be on the beach, the slopes, or taking a relaxing city break, a travel insurance payout will not completely ease the disappointment of a cancelled or delayed trip, but Gocompare suggests that at least the cost of the holiday could be recouped.
However, those passengers who took out travel insurance retrospectively on 12 March or after, the day when the strikes were announced, will not be covered for delayed or cancelled flights, the comparison website warns.
Passengers are afforded compensation by airlines under an EU travel directive in certain circumstances, but travel insurance can offer additional cover for delays.
Airlines must provide passengers who are delayed more than two hours with a meal and refreshments, access to communications and, if appropriate, accommodation. A delay of more than five hours will require the airline to fully refund the cost of the ticket.
Some travel insurance policies also provide compensation for delays, but this will vary from one provider to another, so travellers should compare travel insurance to get the best value for money, Gocompare urges.
Mark Greening, head of product partnerships at Gocompare.com, said: "Yet again it will be innocent passengers who will be most disrupted when British Airways staff take industrial action. Unfortunately travel insurance can't make your flight take off on time but many policies do offer useful cover which will help you meet the unexpected extra cost of food and drink whilst you're hanging around the departure lounge.
"In the worst case you may decide to abandon your holiday altogether and travel cover can give you that protection but it's always worth checking the wording of your policy to make sure under what circumstances you can reclaim the cost of your trip."
Mr Greening urges all passengers to check the terms of their travel insurance and get official confirmation of the length and reason of the a delay which would result in a claim being successfully made.
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