Common reasons for flight delays

Any frequent traveler knows how important it is to show up on time when they have a flight to catch. But flights themselves aren’t always on time. Flight delays, whether by just a few hours or even longer, are quite common, and trying to rebook flights or source for accommodation while stranded at an airport is not cheap.

That is why it is so important to have a good travel insurance policy that compensates you for travel delays.

Here are some common reasons for flight delays.

 

Bad weather and natural disasters

Extreme weather conditions or natural disasters are often responsible for travel delays. Some common weather phenomena that cause flight delays include snowstorms and typhoons.

In extreme cases, natural disasters can cause flights to be canceled or delayed on a large scale. For instance, in late 2017, flights to and from Bali were canceled due to volcanic ash from Mount Agung.

 

Mechanical breakdowns

Operational problems due to mechanical breakdowns can cause flights to get pushed back. For instance, mechanical breakdowns affecting the aircraft will cause travel delays.

Other possible causes of operational delays include derangement or structural defects on the aircraft.

When technical glitches happen onboard, it is often difficult to estimate the amount of time for which the flight will be delayed as airline staff work to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, an alternative flight might have to be deployed.

 

Strikes

When airlines do not offer their workers satisfactory compensation or working conditions, strikes can happen.

For instance, over the past few years, strikes by Lufthansa workers in Germany have caused the cancellation of thousands of flights.

If you are affected by a strike, you will often be rerouted on a partner airline or re-booked on a later flight. However, if you are flying on a budget airline, you might have fewer alternatives, particularly if the airline does not have many ticketing agreements with other carriers.

The best way to protect yourself from flight delays is to sign up for a good travel insurance policy like HL Assurance’s Travel Protect360. The policy takes care of you if you experience flight delays for certain reasons. Frequent travelers will benefit from Travel Protect360’s annual policy that protects them all year round.

By Joanne Poh

Disclaimer: All info contained herein is intended for your general information only and is not a substitute for insurance advice. If you have a specific question, please consult our insurance experts at 6702 0202.