post office travel insurance flight cancellation

• Skip navigation
• Find a branch
• Help and support

Popular searches

• Track a parcel
• Travel money
• Travel insurance
• Drop and Go

Log into your account

• Credit cards
• International money transfer
• Junior ISAs

Travel and Insurance

• Car and van insurance
• Gadget insurance
• Home insurance
• Pet insurance
• Travel Money Card
• Parcels Online

For further information about the Horizon IT Scandal, please visit our  corporate website

• Travel Disruption

Trip disruption cover

(including Covid-19, terrorism, natural catastrophes and airspace disruption)

Safeguard against rare but extreme events that could disrupt your travels. Add this option to your travel insurance policy for cover in the event of Covid-19, terrorism, natural catastrophes and airspace disruption

Enhanced protection for unforeseen events

Our travel insurance already covers medical assistance if you’re injured due to a natural disaster, terrorist act or fall ill with Covid-19.

This optional extra provides more reassurance for other disruption they or airspace problems might cause. This includes delays due to unauthorised aircraft like drones. Terms and conditions apply

What’s covered?

It’s simple to add all this extra cover for trip disruption when you get your quote. Terms and conditions apply

Cancelling your trip

If a natural catastrophe or terrorist event happens within 20km of your pre-booked accommodation and within the 14 days before you’re due to leave, you can decide you don't want to go

Abandoning a trip

If a terrorist event or natural catastrophe delays you by more than 12 hours on the outward leg of your journey from the UK, you can make a claim to cancel your trip

Missed departure from the UK

You’re covered against costs if you miss your scheduled departure from the UK. This might be due to terrorist activity or a natural catastrophe. Airspace problems, such as drones or computer failure. Or an event at your departure point that causes the closure or evacuation of your airport

Missed departure and connections outside the UK

If you miss a departure or connections outside of the UK because of a covered event, you can claim for your extra travel and accommodation costs. And if you’re stuck abroad (including in compulsory quarantine), we’ll pay between £50 and £100 per day for up to 10 days beyond your original return date

Cutting short your trip

If a natural catastrophe or terrorism event happens within 20km of the accommodation you're staying in, you’re covered for any extra costs to get you home early and for the unused part of your trip. You’re also covered if you miss the rest of your trip due to self-isolation or compulsory quarantine due to Covid-19

Substitute accommodation

If a covered event forces you to move to alternative accommodation that’s not supplied by your travel provider, we’ll cover the extra cost of somewhere of the same standard up to the sum insured

Choose your travel disruption cover

The table shows the maximum cover limits the trip disruption option offers for each of our cover levels. You can add trip disruption cover for an additional premium

Policy wording

Ready to get a quote?

Let’s find the protection that’s right for your travels. Get a quote for Post Office Travel Insurance

An award-winning provider

Best travel insurance provider.

Post Office won a ‘Best Travel Insurance Provider’ award at the Your Money Awards in 2021, 2022 and 2023

Post Office won a “Best Travel Insurance Provider” award at the British Travel Awards in 2023

Defaqto 5-star rated cover

Our travel insurance policies with premier level cover are Defaqto 5-star rated

Common Trip Disruption (including Terrorism, Natural Catastrophe and Air Space disruption) questions

What is terrorism cover.

Terrorist attacks can be indiscriminate. They don’t only occur in areas already steeped in conflict. While we hope no one is the victim of a terrorist attack, it’s important to have the right protection in place for peace of mind.

Terrorism cover enhances your existing travel insurance with cover:

• Travel disruption and alternative travel arrangements if you’re already at your destination when an attack occurs
• Having to return home after receiving medical attention for shock, due to stress or trauma following a terrorist event.
• Cancellation before departure or if you decide to call it a day due to excessive delay

And, should something happen to your baggage as a result of a terrorist act– we’ll cover this up to certain limits. This could be damage, loss or even your baggage not arriving at all.

Where can I travel with terrorism cover?

Having cover for terrorist events doesn’t mean that you can travel to areas that the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have advised against all travel to. Doing so will likely invalidate your insurance so always  check the latest foreign travel advice . You’re still limited by the same rules governing travel safety as general travel insurance.

What is natural catastrophe cover?

Nature is unpredictable. Extreme weather events are becoming more commonplace. And while natural catastrophes are more likely to happen in some regions of the world it’s impossible to know for sure when and where they’ll occur.

Our travel disruption add-on can bring peace of mind knowing you’re covered if you find yourself at the mercy of Mother Nature before you leave, are in transit or while you’re on holiday.

It defines the following as natural catastrophes:

• Volcanic activity
• Volcanic ash
• Flooding of more than 50 square km
• Wildfire of more than 50 square km

Natural catastrophe cover can provide reassurance you’ll be covered if such events:

• Disrupt your holiday while you’re already there
• Prevent or delay you getting there by more than 12 hours, or
• Mean you have to turn back home in transit

Whether you need it depends how much you want to leave to chance and what extra reassurance you need. Especially if you’re travelling somewhere with a higher risk of natural catastrophes. 

What is airspace disruption cover and do I need it?

Airspace disruption can take many forms. They include:

• Air traffic control restrictions (eg airspace closure)
• Unauthorised, unmanned aircraft used close to airports causing flights to be grounded
• Failure of air traffic control or airport computer systems (except those caused by cyber terrorism)
• An event at your departure point that causes its closure or evacuation 

While it's uncommon, airspace disruption can cause major delays. And its causes may not be obvious.

If you add our trip disruption option to your travel insurance it includes airspace disruption cover. If airspace closure lasts over 24 hours, your pre-booked travel and accommodation expenses are covered. And, if you’ve already left, it covers additional travel and accommodation expenses for every day you can’t reach your destination or get home (up to a limit).

What extra cover does this add-on provide for disruption caused by Covid-19?

Our standard travel insurance policies cover travel disruption due to Covid-19 in some circumstances. But you may want cover for other situations. You can pay a little extra to add it to your policy with our trip disruption option.

It covers missing a scheduled departure if:

• You or someone you’re travelling or staying with tests positive for Covid-19 and you have to self-isolate (2)
• Your hotel or cruise ship (3) gets put into compulsory quarantine (2) due to Covid-19

It covers the unused part of your trip on your return if:

• You have to self-isolate and miss the rest of your trip (2) if someone you’re travelling or staying with tests positive
• Compulsory quarantine (2) of your hotel or cruise ship (3) prevents you completing the rest of your planned trip
• You return home early when UK rules for your destination change to avoid having to quarantine away from home (4)
• You have to self-isolate due to testing positive so miss the rest of your trip

If regulations for your destination change while you’re there, you can claim for:

• A contribution towards mandatory quarantine accommodation costs on your return to the UK
• Costs towards Covid-19 tests you weren’t liable for when you booked your trip or bought your policy – whichever you did last (5)

What isn’t covered?

Some exclusions apply to our trip disruption cover. You’ll find full details in the policy wording.

We can’t cover you if:

• You decide to abandon your holiday before it’s been delayed by 12 hours
• You buy your cover after a terrorist event or natural catastrophe that impacts your trip has been announced in the media
• Acts of terrorism involve nuclear, biological or chemical weapons or cyber terrorism

Claiming compensation

If your travel is delayed or cancelled, you’ll need to try to claim compensation from all other relevant sources first before we’ll consider a claim. For instance, your airline or holiday provider.

Compensation for airspace disruption

If you're faced with airspace disruption, you'll need to exhaust all other avenues for claiming compensation before making a claim on your travel insurance policy. There are certain situations where airlines must give you compensation and some where it’s discretionary. So they should be your first port of call.

• Read more travel insurance FAQs

Need some help?

Travel insurance help and support.

For emergency medical assistance, to make a claim, find answers to common questions about our cover or get in touch:

Visit our travel insurance support page

Travel insurance policy types

Single-trip cover.

• Cover for a one-off trip in the UK or abroad
• Perfect for one-off trips or longer holidays of up to 365 days (6)
• No age limit

Annual multi-trip cover

• Cover for multiple-trips for a 12-month period
• 31-day trip limit, with extensions available up to 45 and 60 days
• Available for everyone aged up to 75 years

Backpacker cover

• Cover for a one-off trip up to 18 months
• Option to return home for up to 7 days on 3 occasions
• For people aged 18 – 60 wanting to travel the world for a gap year or career break

Related travel guides and services

Adventurous holidays can take many forms, from action-packed itineraries in ...

Whether you’re travelling solo because of business, you’re hoping to meet ...

The white stuff is alluring, so make sure you can enjoy it safely, are ready ...

Holidays for teenagers can take some imagination to make sure they’ve got the ...

Taking your best friend on holiday with you is everyone's ideal situation, but ...

Satisfy your travel craving while making your holiday budget go further. We’ve ...

Perched on the northern tip of Africa, Morocco’s long been a popular ...

It may be a short hop away, but a trip to France is not without its travel ...

Canada is a vast country of diverse delights – everything from bustling cities ...

For many UK holidaymakers, India is an intriguing and diverse culture with ...

Thailand’s idyllic beaches, azure-blue sea, buzzing cities and exciting ...

Make sure you’re travelling safely in Egypt with the latest advice and risks, ...

From airboarding to snow-tubing, here's our list of unusual winter sports ...

For your first time on the slopes, preparation can help you get the most out of ...

The whole idea of lounging around on the beach is to switch off and enjoy the ...

The status of Schengen visas for international students resident in the UK is ...

Every year, millions of holidaymakers from the UK head to Spain for its ...

A trip to Turkey offers toasty beaches and tourist treats aplenty. No wonder ...

The famous cliché of America is that it's big. And it is. Across its six time ...

Heading down under for a trip to or around Australia? Make sure you’ve got the ...

Today, Cuba is more accessible than it has been for many decades, and those who ...

Do UK residents need travel insurance for Ireland? And what healthcare is ...

Planning on living the high life with a trip to the UAE’s iconic mega-city, ...

Booking a last-minute holiday can get the blood pumping with the sudden thrill ...

Find out about medical care available to Brits in Mexico, as well as travel ...

Find out about the safety of travelling to Italy as well as the medical care ...

Some vaccinations for Thailand are recommended and some are mandatory in ...

There are several ways to get to the top of the class on your flight – whether ...

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing, a scheme that helps make sure ...

Over 60 million people travel from the UK most years for holidays or business. ...

The last thing you want to happen on holiday is standing the luggage carousel ...

Having your son or daughter go on holiday without you for the first time can be ...

Going backpacking is one of life’s great adventures. But before you set off ...

The arrival of Airbnb has helped to transform the travel industry in recent ...

A ski packing list has the potential to run to many pages. With a bit of ...

If you're living with cancer but love to travel, can you get travel insurance ...

Travelling with high blood pressure is fine – but it’s important to make sure ...

As you get older, being able to go where you want when you want is all part of ...

In an average year, millions of Britons go abroad without the right travel ...

Lots of people who need assisted travel at airports are missing out simply ...

Learn the difference between embassies and consulates, and why you might need ...

Travel insurance for a holiday in the UK isn't something you must have, but it ...

With festivals overseas becoming the new norm, festivalgoers need to do a bit ...

You should be able to get the right cover to travel abroad if you’re diabetic, ...

Enjoy that precious time away with your grandchildren, and take some of the ...

Dark mornings, cold hands, heating bills and chapped lips are among the most ...

We all know the feeling – getting to the airport, then a wave of panic comes ...

It's a proud feeling when children turn eighteen and start holidaying on their ...

If you're travelling abroad as a family, it makes sense to take out insurance ...

Fancy trekking in a remote Asian rainforest? A wild time in New York? Flying ...

If you're travelling to an EU country from the UK, make sure you take a Global ...

Do you need travel insurance for your trip? Is travel insurance worth it? And, ...

Travel’s a great way to unwind, see the world, open the mind and expand ...

People flock to the Canary Islands from all over Europe. No wonder, with such ...

Greece and the Greek islands have long been a popular travel destination for us ...

If you’re jetting off to Japan soon make sure you have good travel insurance to ...

How safe is South Africa to visit and why is having travel insurance important ...

Find out what medical care Brits can access in New Zealand and travel risks to ...

Learn about the different types of travel insurance available from Post Office, ...

It’s your holiday too, and good preparation can take some of the worry out of ...

Finding out that your airline or holiday company has gone bust is a shock – ...

Travelling solo means freedom and independence, making new connections and ...

Exploring the globe can be scary, but there’s so much to find at the edge of ...

With the winter sports season upon us, we conducted a Winter Sports Survey for ...

The opportunities to combine business and leisure have never been greater. You ...

There’s no better feeling than planning an amazing trip to an exotic ...

There’s nothing worse than falling ill while away from home. Along with the ...

Ready to jet off on a much-needed break but worrying about what you can take ...

Most of the time, getting a flight is a hassle-free event. If you only take ...

Whether you’re heading to the beach for a much-needed break or boarding a boat ...

If you're the type of sunchaser who looks forward to that sizzling summer ...

It’s one of the most popular holiday hotspots for UK holidaymakers. But what ...

So, you’ve booked your flights, accommodation and activities. What next?

About our travel insurance

Post Office® Travel Insurance is arranged by Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited.

Post Office Limited is an appointed representative of Post Office Management Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 630318. Post Office Limited and Post Office Management Services Limited are registered in England and Wales. Registered numbers 2154540 and 08459718 respectively. Registered Office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

These details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the Financial Conduct Authority website and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

(1) If you buy our trip disruption upgrade (including Covid-19, terrorism, natural catastrophe and airspace disruption), only one benefit will be applicable per person, per claim. There is no cover under this upgrade for single-trip policies. For annual multi-trip policies, UK cover is only available for cancellation and cutting short your trip.

(2) By a medical practitioner, health authority or government body.

(3) Cover only applies to your immediate accommodation, not a mandatory quarantine applied to a wider geographical area around it.

(4) Providing you cut short your trip and fly home before the quarantine restriction comes into force.

(5) There is no cover if the UK government changes the quarantine requirements before your trip starts. Additional Covid-19 cover is not applicable for trips taken solely within the UK.

(6) For economy, standard and premier policies, the single-trip policy will cover you for one trip up to:

• 365 days for persons aged up to and including age 70
• 90 days for persons aged between 71 and 75
• 31 days for persons aged between 76 and above

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

Protect Your Travel Plans: Trip Cancellation Insurance Explained and the 5 Best Policies

Jessica Merritt

Editor & Content Contributor

84 Published Articles 482 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 4 U.S. States Visited: 23

151 Published Articles 740 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 35 U.S. States Visited: 25

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3134 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Best Cheap Trip Cancellation Insurance: battleface

Best extensive trip cancellation reasons: img, best comprehensive trip cancellation coverage: tinleg, best layoff protection: aegis, best cancel for any reason: seven corners, what is trip cancellation insurance, when to buy trip cancellation insurance, trip cancellation insurance covered reasons, cancel for any reason trip cancellation coverage, annual travel insurance, trip cancellation vs. trip interruption, is trip cancellation insurance worth it, credit cards with trip cancellation insurance, choosing trip cancellation insurance , final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

You’ve booked your flight, hotel, and tours and are ready to go on your trip — but what happens if you can’t make it? Unexpected circumstances can pop up that force you to cancel your trip, such as illness or natural disasters. If you can’t get refunds from travel suppliers, trip cancellation insurance can help.

Let’s look at what trip cancellation covers, whether you need a trip cancellation policy, and what you should know before shopping for a plan.

The 5 Best Trip Cancellation Insurance Policies

You’ll have plenty of options if you want a cheap, standalone trip cancellation policy, comprehensive travel coverage, or Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage.

Consider these trip cancellation insurance policies that offer good value and coverage, quoted for a 35-year-old visiting Mexico on a $1,500 trip in September 2023:

We were quoted just $20 for a battleface Discovery Plan with trip cancellation benefits up to $1,500. But that’s all it offers — you won’t get trip interruption coverage, medical coverage, evacuation, loss or delay, or other benefits offered by comprehensive travel insurance plans.

IMG’s iTravelnsured Travel Essential plan isn’t CFAR coverage, but it has multiple covered reasons for cancellation. You’re covered for foreign and domestic terrorism, financial default, medical reasons, and accommodations made uninhabitable. Our $35.92 quote offered up to 100% of the total trip cost for trip cancellation and 125% for trip interruption. 

TinLeg’s Basic travel insurance plan covers up to 100% of your total trip cost for trip cancellation , but you’ll also get other major travel insurance coverages. This plan we were quoted $41 for offers trip interruption, travel delay, baggage delay, emergency medical, evacuation and repatriation, and more. 

Like the battleface plan, Aegis Go Ready Trip Cancellation insurance covers up to 100% of your trip cost if you need to cancel — but not much else. But a big value-add is employment layoff coverage , which allows you to get reimbursed if you need to cancel your trip due to involuntary layoff or termination of employment. We were quoted $45 for this plan.

The Seven Corners Trip Protection Basic plan offers optional CFAR coverage, which reimburses up to 75% of your trip cost for reasons not otherwise covered by your policy. Regular trip cancellation and interruption coverage offer reimbursement of up to 100% of your trip cost. Our quoted cost for this plan came to $58.

Trip cancellation insurance is a type of travel insurance. With trip cancellation coverage, you can get reimbursement for nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses if you need to cancel your trip before departure. Trip cancellation is one of the main coverage areas for travel insurance, the other being medical emergency coverage.

Many comprehensive travel insurance policies offer trip cancellation coverage; standalone trip cancellation insurance is less common than comprehensive travel policies. Travel credit cards may offer trip cancellation coverage as a cardholder benefit, as well.

How Trip Cancellation Insurance Works

Trip cancellation insurance kicks in if you must cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as an illness, injury, or other covered reasons. You can get reimbursed for nonrefundable expenses if you have travel cancellation insurance and need to cancel your trip.

Covered nonrefundable expenses typically include:

• Hotels and vacation rentals
• Rental cars

Travel insurance policies with trip cancellation coverage often include trip interruption benefits. Similar to trip cancellation coverage, trip interruption benefits can help you recoup your costs if you need to delay or cut your trip short due to covered reasons.

You can usually purchase trip cancellation insurance up to the day before your scheduled departure. Still, you’ll get more value if you purchase insurance as soon as you make your first trip deposit . That way, your travel plans are covered from the start.

Unless you opt for Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance only applies to covered cancellation reasons. For example, you can’t use trip cancellation insurance to cancel your trip for a refund because there’s rain forecasted for your beach vacation. But, you could get reimbursement if a named hurricane forms after you purchased your policy.

Common reasons covered by trip cancellation insurance include:

• Death, including the death of a family member or traveling companion
• Government travel warnings or evacuation orders for your destination
• Home damage or burglary
• Illness, injury, or quarantine that makes you or a covered travel companion unfit to travel
• Legal obligations such as jury duty or subpoena
• Natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or floods affect travel operations at your destination
• Terrorist incidents at home or your destination
• Travel supplier cancellation
• Unexpected military duty
• Unexpected pregnancy complications
• Unexpected work obligations

These are common covered reasons for trip cancellation insurance, but policies vary in coverage . Reviewing the terms and conditions of your trip cancellation insurance is a good idea so you understand what’s covered.

You should also understand what’s explicitly not covered. For example, changing your mind is not a covered reason on a standard trip cancellation insurance policy. And trip cancellation insurance typically doesn’t cover foreseeable events, routine health treatments, substance abuse, sporting events, mental health, acts of war, self-harm, or dangerous activities such as skydiving.

Need to expand your list of covered cancellation reasons? Cancel for Any Reason trip cancellation insurance is an option. 

You can use CFAR to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by trip cancellation insurance, such as changing your mind, fear of travel, unexpected obligations, weather, or budget concerns.

The catch? You’ll pay more for CFAR coverage , and it only reimburses up to 50% to 75% of your nonrefundable travel expenses. Generally, trip cancellation insurance offers 100% reimbursement for covered expenses. 

The other main stipulation is that you’ll need to purchase your coverage within a specified period , usually within 10 to 21 days of your first trip deposit. And to get reimbursement under CFAR, you must cancel your travel within the cancellation timeframe, usually at least 48 hours from your scheduled departure.

Most annual travel insurance policies, also known as multi-trip policies, cover trip cancellation for multiple trips taken within the policy period, usually 12 months. You’ll also typically get coverage for medical expenses.

Trip cancellation insurance covers your nonrefundable travel expenses if you have to cancel before departure, while trip interruption covers your trip costs after departure . For example, trip interruption coverage kicks in if you get injured while traveling and have to go home early.

Trip cancellation insurance can be worth it if you have nonrefundable travel expenses and there’s a risk you’ll have to cancel your travel due to unforeseen events. It offers financial protection if you’re traveling to a destination with potential risks such as natural disasters or political instability — or if you have risk factors at home, such as unpredictable work commitments or family members with health conditions that could interfere with travel. 

If you plan an expensive trip with nonrefundable bookings or deposits, trip cancellation is probably worth it. But if your travel is inexpensive, or most of your travel expenses are refundable, you might not need trip cancellation insurance.

Consider the cost of insurance, the likelihood you’ll need to cancel, and the cost of nonrefundable travel at stake when you decide if trip cancellation is worth it.

What Trip Cancellation Insurance Costs

A basic travel insurance policy with trip cancellation coverage generally costs between 5% to 10% of your trip costs . So a travel insurance policy for a $5,000 trip would cost $250 to $500. Your costs will be higher if you opt for CFAR coverage.

Factors that influence how much your trip cancellation insurance costs include traveler age, trip expenses, trip length, coverage options, and how many people you need to cover.

A comprehensive travel insurance policy with emergency medical or lost baggage coverage and trip cancellation coverage can offer additional value.

If you’re mainly concerned with trip cancellation coverage, look for cheap travel insurance policies that still offer this coverage, but have either nonexistent or low coverage limits for other coverage areas, such as lost baggage or medical evacuation .

You might not have to pay for trip cancellation insurance if you have the right credit card. Some credit cards offer trip cancellation and interruption coverage as a cardholder benefit. 

Credit cards with trip cancellation coverage generally provide between $2,000 to $10,000 per person in trip cancellation benefits, often covering trip interruption. 

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers cardholders $2,000 in trip cancellation or interruption benefits per person. With the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , cardholders get up to $10,000 per person in trip cancellation coverage with a maximum of $20,000 per trip and a $40,000 limit per 12-month period.

If your nonrefundable travel costs exceed the covered benefit offered by your credit card, you may prefer to purchase separate trip cancellation insurance.

If you only need trip cancellation and interruption coverage, your credit card may have adequate protection benefits.

Consider these factors as you shop for a trip cancellation insurance policy:

• Cost: Compare policy premiums and consider how the cost fits into your overall travel budget.
• Coverage Amount: Your trip cancellation coverage should cover all of your nonrefundable prepaid trip expenses. But a policy with too much coverage could be more costly than necessary.
• Policy Limits: Know the policy’s limits, including deductibles, exclusions, and limitations.
• Covered Reasons: A policy that offers a variety of covered cancellation reasons offers the most protection.
• CFAR Coverage: Understand whether CFAR coverage is included in the policy and its additional cost.
• Reputation and Customer Service: Read travel insurance reviews to learn about the experiences policyholders have had, whether they’re good or bad.
• Refund Policies: Understand what happens if you cancel your policy before the trip.

Travel insurance comparison sites such as Squaremouth make it easy to enter your trip details and get quotes from multiple insurance providers.

Trip cancellation coverage can provide valuable peace of mind if you’re concerned about losing nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. It can be worth it if there’s a chance you’ll have to cancel your travel plans, and you’ll lose money on nonrefundable costs. Before you choose a trip cancellation policy, consider factors including cost, coverage, and cancellation reasons, and look at what’s covered with any credit cards you hold.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa ® or Mastercard ® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is trip cancellation insurance for.

Trip cancellation coverage offers financial protection if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected circumstances. You can get reimbursement for nonrefundable prepaid expenses related to covered travel if you have to cancel your trip.

Is trip cancellation covered in travel insurance?

Most travel insurance policies cover trip cancellation coverage. Other common coverage areas include trip interruption and medical emergencies.

Does trip insurance cover cancellation for any reason?

Travel insurance can offer CFAR coverage, usually as an optional add-on. You can select a CFAR policy if you want more flexibility in canceling your trip and receiving reimbursement.

When should I buy trip cancellation insurance?

It’s best to purchase trip cancellation as soon as you have any money at risk on your trip, usually as soon as you book travel. Buying trip cancellation insurance after booking covers you for unexpected circumstances that could cause you to cancel your trip.

Was this page helpful?

About Jessica Merritt

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little cash as possible.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

June 1, 2020

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with travel dates on or after

Due to travel restrictions, plans are only available with effective start dates on or after

Ukraine; Belarus; Moldova, Republic of; North Korea, Democratic People's Rep; Russia; Israel

This is a test environment. Please proceed to AllianzTravelInsurance.com and remove all bookmarks or references to this site.

Use this tool to calculate all purchases like ski-lift passes, show tickets, or even rental equipment.

Flight Cancellation Insurance: Your Questions Answered

Get a Quote

{{travelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

{{annualTravelBanText}} {{travelBanDateFormatted}}.

If your trip involves multiple destinations, please enter the destination where you’ll be spending the most time. It is not required to list all destinations on your policy.

Age of Traveler

Ages: {{quote.travelers_ages}}

If you were referred by a travel agent, enter the ACCAM number provided by your agent.

Travel Dates

{{quote.travel_dates ? quote.travel_dates : "Departure - Return" | formatDates}}

Plan Start Date

{{quote.start_date ? quote.start_date : "Date"}}

Share this Page

• {{errorMsgSendSocialEmail}}

Your browser does not support iframes.

Popular Travel Insurance Plans

• Annual Travel Insurance
• Cruise Insurance
• Domestic Travel Insurance
• International Travel Insurance
• Rental Car Insurance

View all of our travel insurance products

Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please see your plan for full details. Benefits/Coverage may vary by state, and sublimits may apply.

Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

Return To Log In

Your session has expired. We are redirecting you to our sign-in page.

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

Airlines Must Give Cash Refunds, Disclose Fees Under New Rules. Do You Still Need Travel Insurance?

A irline passengers will soon be entitled to automatic cash refunds when their flights are canceled or significantly disrupted. A final rule just issued by the Department of Transportation requires airlines to issue cash refunds to customers"without being asked"unless passengers agree to accept travel credit or alternative transportation instead.

The department has officially defined 'significantly changed flights' for all carriers to include flights that:

• Delay arrival or departure by three hours (for domestic flights) or six hours (for international flights)
• Require a change of departure or arrival airport
• Increase a passenger's number of connections
• Downgrade a passenger's class of service
• Switch to a connecting airport or plane that is less accessible to a passenger with a disability

When the rule takes effect in October, airlines will also have to refund fees for checked bags that arrive late by 12 hours or more (15 to 30 hours for international flights) and for services that were paid for but not delivered, such as in-flight Wi-Fi or entertainment.

Refunds must be provided within seven to 20 days. Airlines must pay customers in cash or by crediting the original payment method, such as a credit card or airline miles .

'Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them"without headaches or haggling,' Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news release.

Airlines Must Disclose ‘Junk' Fees

Another final DOT rule aimed at so-called junk fees prohibits airlines from springing surprises on ticket buyers at checkout.

Airlines and ticket agents will have to disclose upfront their fees for such things as checked or carry-on luggage or for changing or canceling a reservation. They must also outline the airline's baggage, change and cancellation policies before a passenger buys their ticket.

Airlines contend they are already transparent about their charges.

'U.S. airlines are committed to providing the highest quality of service, which includes clarity regarding prices, fees and ticket terms,' said the trade group Airlines for America in a statement.

Do Passengers Still Need Travel Insurance?

The new airline rules cover costs and fees that are refundable. For nonrefundable costs, travel insurance still makes sense. Travel insurance also can cover you for emergency medical care and evacuation during your trip.

The average cost of a travel insurance plan is $308, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth. But the average claim payment last year was about $1,900.

'Cancel for any reason' travel insurance , typically offered as an add-on, will cover you if you scrap your trip for a reason not listed in your basic travel insurance policy. It will reimburse you for some or most of your nonrefundable costs, but it still comes with some restrictions"and it can add about 50% to the cost of your insurance.

What fliers need to know about new refund rules for airlines

Starting in about six months, u.s. airlines will have to offer customers cash refunds before vouchers.

New federal rules for airlines will go into effect later this year, giving travelers a better picture of the full cost of flights before they book — and getting them an easier refund if things go awry.

After a process that lasted more than a year, the Biden administration announced the rules on passenger protections Wednesday.

“This is a big day for America’s flying public,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a news conference at Reagan National Airport.

While the trade group Airlines for America said its members “abide by — and frequently exceed — DOT regulations regarding consumer protections,” consumer advocates praised the administration’s move.

“These rules are not only critical but also common sense,” said William McGee, senior fellow for aviation and travel at the American Economic Liberties Project, who spoke at Wednesday’s event.

Most new rules go into effect in the fall

At the event Wednesday, Buttigieg said that “the bulk of these protections” will go into effect in about six months. Others will start in a year.

That means refund rules that get customers automatic cash refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change flights won’t be in place during the busy summer travel season. But they should be set in time for the Thanksgiving and winter holiday season rush.

Buttigieg said that the department expects airlines to take some time to develop the processes to return cash to travelers, but added that he doesn’t want them to drag their feet.

“They don’t have to wait the number of months that it’ll technically take for this to go into effect,” Buttigieg said Wednesday. “They could and should be doing this right now.”

You should get refunds without having to ask

Instead of first offering a voucher or credit, airlines “must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops,” the Transportation Department says. The refunds need to be issued within seven business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days when bought through other methods.

However a traveler originally paid is the way the refund needs to be issued, the rule says, whether that’s by credit card or airline miles . Other types of compensation are allowed only if a passenger chooses one of those alternatives.

“No more defaulting to vouchers or credits when consumers may not even realize that they were entitled to cash,” Buttigieg said.

You can still choose to be rebooked

If travelers’ flights have been canceled or significantly changed, they can still continue with their trip. Passengers are only eligible for a refund if they have declined to accept alternative transportation.

Airlines will have to pay for delayed bags and broken WiFi

There are many ways for a trip to go awry, and the new rules cover more than just a late or canceled flight.

If a checked bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours of a domestic flight arriving at the gate, or within 15 to 30 hours of an international flight arriving, depending on how long that flight is, passengers will be entitled to a refund of their checked-bag fee. They will need to file a mishandled baggage report.

Refunds will also be given if passengers pay for a service such as WiFi, seat selection or in-flight entertainment and the airline fails to provide.

‘Significant’ changes will be the same for all airlines

Automatic cash refunds are due to passengers if their flight experiences a “significant change.” But what does that mean? Previously, the definition could vary from airline to airline.

The new rules provide some consistency. A change is considered significant if a departure or arrival is different by more than three hours for domestic flights or six hours for international trips.

Other changes considered significant: the departure or arrival is from a different airport; there are more connections; passengers are downgraded to a lower class; or service or flights are on planes that are less accessible for a person with a disability.

No more hidden fees for bags and seat selection

The rule on extra fees — what the Biden administration refers to as “surprise junk fees in air travel” — will require airlines and online travel booking sites to disclose up front the fees for a checked bag, carry-on bag, reservation change and reservation cancellation. Those fees must be clearly noted and not shown through a hyperlink, the rule says.

Consumers must also be informed that they don’t have to pay for a seat assignment to travel and that a seat will be provided without an additional price.

“Healthy competition requires that, as a consumer, you comparison shop, which means knowing the real price of a trip before and not after you buy,” Buttigieg said. “Airlines will now be required to show you these costs up front, so you have all the information you need to decide what travel option is best for you.”

Travelers can either search without providing their personal information to see standard fees or, after entering their information, see more tailored fees that might apply given their military status, frequent-flier membership or credit card use.

“The final rule puts an end to the bait-and-switch tactics some airlines use to disguise the true cost of discounted flights,” the Transportation Department said in a news release. “Prior to the rule, some airlines were offering deceptive discounts that consumers may have believed applied to the full fare that was being advertised but only applied to a small portion of the ticket price.”

You will still have to report complaints

Buttigieg said the main way for the department to find out about a violation of the rules is when people submit complaints through the site flightrights.gov . But he said he hopes that by making refunds automatic, there will be less need for complaints — and more flexibility for employees to perform audits or spot-checks of airline compliance.

Europe-style compensation is still not in the rules

Some travelers heading to or from Europe who experience delays under certain circumstances are entitled to compensation worth more than $600. That kind of system does not exist for domestic flights in the United States, but Buttigieg said it is on the agenda.

“On compensation, we continue to develop that — and to be clear, with this rule on the books, that does not stop or slow the progress that we’re driving in terms of a compensation rule,” he said.

More on air travel

Leave flying to the pros: Think you could land a plane in an emergency? Experts say you’re wrong . Here’s what you should actually do if something goes awry during a flight .

Pet peeves: Why do “gate lice” line up early for a flight ? Psychologists explained for us. Another move that annoys airline workers: abusing the flight attendant call button . For more on how to behave on a flight, check out our 52 definitive rules of flying .

Plane mess: Stories about extremely disgusting airplanes have been grossing out travelers. The question of plane cleanups became the subject of a recent debate after a flight attendant allegedly told a pregnant passenger to pick up the popcorn spilled by her toddler.

Frequent flying: Airline status isn’t what it used to be, but at least there are some good movies and TV shows to watch in the air. And somewhere out there, experts are trying to make airline food taste good.

• Book a flight
• Hold the price
• Manage booking
• Flight status
• Business upgrade
• Seat selection
• Extra baggage
• Traveling with pets
• Business Upgrade
• Sports equipment
• Book a hotel
• Travel insurance
• Business Class
• Economy Class
• Dining on-board
• Inflight entertainment
• Turkish Airlines Lounge
• Stopover Istanbul
• Touristanbul
• Exclusive Drive
• PressReader
• Istanbul Airport
• Best flight deals
• Special offers
• Students discount
• Stay informed about offers
• Saudi Arabia
• Turkish Airlines Blog
• First stop: Istanbul
• Türkiye travel guide
• Travel tips
• Program content
• Status and privileges
• Terms and conditions
• Earn Miles from flights
• Bank partnerships
• Program partners
• Miles calculator
• Award Ticket
• Shop&Miles
• Redeeming Miles channels
• Check-in info
• Baggage services
• Transfer and transit passengers
• Infants and children info
• Patients and disabled passengers
• Codeshare partners
• Reservation and bookings
• Flight cancelations and change
• Dining onboard
• Infants and children
• Help center
• Get in touch

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Guide to Delta Flight Cancellations

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Flight cancellations are no fun, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or a cancellation disrupts upcoming plans. Still, it’s better to learn of a flight cancellation before you get to the airport rather than when you're already on board or sitting at the gate.

Here are some pointers for how to deal with Delta Air Lines flight cancellations so that you won’t be caught off guard if this happens to you.

Why is Delta canceling flights?

Yes, Delta has had some public gaffes when it comes to flight reliability recently, but it's not the only one . So, why is Delta canceling flights?

Staffing issues. A shortage in airline staff as well as an overtaxed air traffic control system means that when weather disrupts the air travel system, the dominoes can fall pretty quickly. The same thing happens when crews get displaced in other cities or mechanical issues mean that a plane cannot be ready for its next flight.

Weather-related and mechanical issues. These happen, sometimes more often than travelers like.

A lack of pilots. A national shortage of trained pilots is not helping. This problem has been exacerbated during the pandemic when many airlines allowed pilots to take early retirements. There just aren’t enough new pilots coming into the system to make up for the demand, which is why many regional airlines (like those that operate for Delta Connection) have canceled flights and some destinations altogether.

What to do if your Delta flight gets canceled

First, follow the steps that Delta provides in its communication. If you receive the cancellation notification via text, email or an alert in your Delta app, chances are that there is a link to provide you with flight alternatives.

From there, you can rebook yourself by choosing an alternate flight or sometimes another departure or arrival airport other than your original one.

For upgraded bookings and group travel

If you paid to upgrade your seat (perhaps with a regional or global upgrade certificate that you chose as a Choice Benefit for being a top Medallion member) or are traveling with a group or unaccompanied minor, things get more complicated. Sometimes, these upgrades may not transfer to your new flight or there may be limited availability. This requires you to call Delta reservations (if you have Medallion elite status, there is a dedicated number for you to call for faster service) or contact Delta via the messaging feature within the app.

Delta will be able to assist you as long as the ticket was issued by Delta, a joint venture partner, SkyTeam or codeshare partner. They can also help if the Delta flight was canceled and ticketed by another carrier with whom Delta has an agreement.

For flights booked in a travel portal

If, however, you booked your ticket with a travel agent or through a third-party website (including Chase's travel portal or American Express Membership Rewards ), you must contact them directly. It is wise to have their information handy in case you need to access it quickly during a cancellation while traveling.

You may also want to look into online tools like Expert Flyer or SeatSpy to help you find other available flights and track the inbound flight to know if it might be delayed before other passengers discover the delay. It can help to be prepared with other flight options when there are few left and hundreds of people are vying for the next available flight.

» Learn more: Benefits of Delta credit cards

How to get a refund if a flight cancels or changes times

Flyers are eligible to rebook tickets in the event of a flight cancellation or a schedule change of more than 30 minutes. If the proposed change doesn't work for you, you're likely also eligible for a refund.

To get a refund for a Delta flight cancellation, contact the airline by logging into your reservation on Delta.com or the Delta app. Here, there may be an option to cancel the trip by clicking on “Need to cancel?” and then “Start flight cancellation” to get a refund to your original form of payment .

Though Delta’s basic economy tickets are nonrefundable, if the airline cancels your flight, you’re eligible for a full refund.

If you used miles for the ticket, Delta will refund the miles and any taxes that were charged. If you purchased a “Pay With Miles” ticket as a benefit of holding a Delta SkyMiles-affiliated American Express card , the refund comes in the form of a travel credit. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

What travel protections might you already have?

If Delta cancels a flight for reasons within its control (maintenance or unavailable crew), the airline will typically offer assistance. If, however, the cancellation is due to a reason outside of its control — like inclement weather — the onus falls on the passenger.

The airline will provide meals to passengers for flights that are delayed two hours or more due to reasons within its control. If a flight is delayed until the next day, the airline will also provide a hotel. If, however, the flight was canceled because of weather, you can request a refund instead of an alternative flight.

Federal protections are minimal in the U.S.

If a flight is canceled in the U.S., the U.S. Department of Transportation has fewer protections for passengers than other parts of the world. The DOT does not require airlines provide compensation for delayed or canceled flights, although some seat selection or checked baggage fees should be refunded.

If you’re departing from an European Union member country or territory on any airline or traveling with an E.U.-based airline to an E.U. country, Flight Compensation Regulation 261/2004, often referred to as EC261 , can help. Depending upon the distance of your flight and length of delay, you can receive between $250-$600 (250-600 euros) as compensation. Weather and labor disputes are not eligible. Instead, this coverage is only for delays and cancellations related to reasons within the airline’s control such as a mechanical or staffing issue.

» Learn more: A credit card can rescue your trip from stormy weather

Which travel cards or travel insurance policies can help?

If you booked your ticket with a card that provides travel insurance , there are built-in protections. These usually require that the flight disruption result in a severely delayed arrival to your destination or requiring an overnight stay. In those instances, keep all documentation that you have so that you can file a claim for insurance. Remember, the insurance company still has the final say, but it provides coverage in the event of a weather delay or reimbursement if you miss other prepaid reservations.

Some of the best cards with travel insurance benefits include:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® .

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card .

The Platinum Card® from American Express .

on Chase's website

on American Express' website

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 12 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $40,000 per 12-month period.

• Baggage delay: Up to $100 per day for five days.

• Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per passenger.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per ticket for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip delay: Up to $500 per trip for delays more than 6 hours.

• Trip cancellation: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

• Trip interruption: Up to $10,000 per trip. Maximum benefit of $20,000 per 12-month period.

Terms apply.

Illness, severe weather or flight cancellations are all valid reasons for travel insurance protection.

Not everyone has a card with travel insurance, and some cards, like Citi Prestige® Card , have ditched strong travel protections altogether. Instead, you may want to consider purchasing travel insurance , which can act in the same way by providing compensation for a hotel and meals in the event of an overnight delay.

These policies can be especially helpful when traveling to start a cruise, for example, where you might miss the ship due to a canceled flight and need to purchase a new flight to catch up with the cruise.

Surviving a Delta flight cancellation

While it’s not pleasant, there are options if you want a refund or if you want to rebook your trip. By using the Delta app, website or reservations line, you can manage the rebooking process. If you booked through a third party, that agency can assist, too.

Savvy travelers know that holding the right credit card with solid travel insurance (or buying a separate travel insurance policy) can come in handy in the event of a flight cancellation.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Flight search

• Adults Remove adult 1 Add adult
• Children Aged 2-11 Aged 2 to 11 Remove child 0 Add child
• Infants In seat Remove infant in seat 0 Add infant in seat
• Infants On lap Remove infant on lap 0 Add infant on lap
• Premium economy

Popular destinations

Moscow airport transfer: how to get from airport to Moscow?

• December 6, 2023

Moscow airport transfer? It’s simple! In this blog post, I will describe how to get to Moscow from Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo or Domodedovo airport transfer.

First, there are 3 international airports in Moscow:

• Sheremetyevo (new name: Pushkin *)
• Domodedovo (new name: Lomonosov *)
• Vnukovo (new name: Toupolev *)

* Following the 2019 public vote, Moscow airports will change names soon.

Good to know! Each airport is equipped with free WiFi. In order to connect, you must type the code sent to you by SMS.

How to get from Moscow airport to Red Square?

To go to the Moscow’s center from Sheremetyevo Airport, Domodedovo Airport or Vnukovo Airport:

• The fastest way is the Aeroexpress train , but then you will have to go to your accommodation. It’s a train that arrives in downtown Moscow, each time a stone’s throw from a metro station.
• The most comfortable way is by taxi , but there can be traffic jams (and there are many in Moscow, especially during office hours).
• The cheapest way is the bus. But then you will have to go to your accommodation (additional cost) and risk losing a lot of time in traffic jams. The bus is the least interesting way, we do not advise to take it.

I will describe below how to get to downtown Moscow from each of these 3 airports. You can therefore go directly to the Moscow airport transfer that interests you depending on the airport of your arrival.

How to get from Sheremetyevo Airport to Moscow?

How much is the Moscow Sheremetyevo airport transfer? So it all depends on your choice of transport. If you take:

• the aeroexpress, then the metro: count RUB 565 per person max.
• the aeroexpress, then the taxi and you are 2 at around 750 RUB per person.
• taxi transfer from the airport Sheremetyevoto city center accommodation (if using a mobile app): from 1,700 RUB per ride.
• taxi transfer booked in advance : from 25 euro a ride.

Go from Moscow Sheremetyevo airport transfer by aeroexpress, then metro or taxi

In Moscow, the Aeroexpress train is a direct train. It has only two stops: Sheremetyevo Airport and Belarusian Railway Station. So it’s very simple: you can’t miss or get off at another stop. In addition, if you go to Moscow in winter, the aeroexpress is a much faster solution than a taxi.

• Aeroexpress for Sheremetyevo Airport. 450 RUB per person at the automatic terminals or cash desks on site.
• Schedules and frequencies of the aeroexpress. Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. Every 30 minutes.
• Travel time. 35 minutes. In reality, the train does not go so fast (“express”), we have time to see the landscape.
• Aeroexpress website in English

The Bielorussky Railway Station is located in downtown Moscow. You then have two options: take public transportation or take a taxi.

Public transport from Bielorussky Station. The nearest metro station is Bielorusskaya metro station. It’s a convenient station because it’s on two metro lines: the brown circular line and the green line. Besides, the station is very pretty. Estimate. For a single trip, count 55 RUB per person + 60 RUB per suitcase (maximum cost therefore). But you will also be able to take the opportunity to take a transport card which will be more advantageous for your trips there. In order to make a more precise estimate, go to the blog post “ Public transport in Moscow “.

Take the taxi from Bielorussky Station. If you are loaded or, more simply, if you want to make your arrival / departure more comfortable, it is better to take a taxi (beware of traffic jams). The Bielorussky station is well located, so if you stay inside the Anneau des Jardins, the price will not be excessive. Estimate of the race: in the 500-600 RUB the race, if you go through an application, more expensive if you go by a city taxi. You can use the station’s free WiFi, otherwise use your home plan (additional costs). To find out more, go to the article “ How to get around Moscow? “, from the taxi.

Moscow Sheremetyevo airport transfer: taxi

If you want to go to downtown Moscow by taxi, you’re going to have less hassle with suitcases, that’s for sure! Estimate of the race : 1700 RUB the race, if you go through a taxi application and your accommodation is located inside the Garden Ring; more expensive if you go by a city taxi. On the other hand, if your flight falls on the office hours, you will probably waste a lot of time in traffic jams and the race could then cost more in the end. To find out more, go to the article “How to get around Moscow”, from the taxi.

Good to know! Not all of the taxis you can see at the airport are official taxis. If you have found a taxi at the airport (without a taxi app), be sure to agree on the fare in advance, but also to check the information and the amount carefully when paying.

Book a taxi in advance. You can book the taxi in advance on KiwiTaxi website . It is easy and confortable to arrive when you have already booked the taxi. Prices started from 25 euro a ride. It is very interesting if you are 3 or 4. But even for 2 persons, that’s a good way to get to Moscow without additional stress.

Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Plan

Here is the airport plan that could help you for a Moscow Sheremetyevo airport transfer.

How to get from Domodedovo airport to Moscow?

How much is the Moscow Domodedovo airport transfer? It all depends on your choice of transport. If you take:

• the aeroexpress, then the metro: 415 RUB per person max.
• the aeroexpress, then the taxi and you are two: about 600 RUB per person.
• taxi from the airport to accommodation in the city center (if using a mobile application): from 1900 RUB per trip.
• taxi booked in advance : from 28 euro.

Go to downtown Moscow from Domodedovo by aeroexpress, then metro or taxi

The Aeroexpress train is a direct train . It has only two stops: Domodedovo Airport and Paveletsky Station. So it’s very simple, you can’t miss or get off at another stop.

• Aeroexpress rate for Domodedovo Airport: 300 RUB per person at the automatic terminals or cash desks on site.
• Schedules and frequencies of the aeroexpress. Every day from 7 a.m. to midnight. Every 30 minutes.
• Travel time. 45 minutes. In reality, the train does not run so fast (“express”), we have time to see the landscape.

Paveletsky Station is located in downtown Moscow. You then have two options: take public transportation or take a taxi.

Public transport from Paveletsky Station. The nearest metro station is Paveletskaya metro station. It’s a convenient station because it’s on two metro lines: the brown circular line and the green line. Estimate. For a single trip, count 55 RUB per person + 60 RUB per suitcase (maximum cost therefore). But you will also be able to take the opportunity to take a transport card which will be more advantageous for your trips there. For a more precise estimate, go to the article “ Public transport in Moscow “.

Take a taxi from Paveletsky Station. If you are loaded or, more simply, if you want to make your arrival / departure more comfortable, it is better to take a taxi (beware of traffic jams). Paveletsky Station is well located, so if you stay inside the Garden Ring, the price will not be excessive. Estimate of the race: in the 500-600 RUB the race, if you go through an application, more expensive if you go by a city taxi. You can use the station’s free WiFi, otherwise use your home plan (additional costs). To find out more, go to the article “ How to get around Moscow “, in the taxi section.

Airport transfer Moscow Domodedovo: taxi

If you want to go to downtown Moscow by taxi, you will have less hassle with suitcases. Estimate of the race: 1900 RUB the race, if you go through a taxi application and your accommodation is located inside the Garden Ring; more expensive if you go by a city taxi. If your flight falls on office hours, you are likely to waste a lot of time in traffic jams and the race could end up being more expensive. More information on the taxi in the article “ How to get around Moscow “, in the starting taxi.

Good to know! Not all of the taxis you can see at the airport are official taxis. If you have found a taxi at the airport (without a taxi app), be sure to agree on the fare in advance, but also to verify the information and the amount carefully when paying.

Book a taxi in advance. You can book an airport transfer Moscow Domodedovo in advance on KiwiTaxi website . It is easy and confortable to arrive when you have already booked the taxi. Prices started from 28 euro. It is very interesting if you are 3 or 4. But even for 2 persons, that’s a good way to get to Moscow without additional stress.

Moscow Domodedovo Airport Plan

Here is the airport plan that could help you when you are there to do the airport transfer.

How to get from SVO airport to Moscow (pronounced Vnukovo)?

How much is the Moscow Vnukovo airport transfer? It all depends on your choice of transport. If you take:

• the aeroexpress, then the metro: RUB 565 per person max.
• the aeroexpress, then the taxi and you are two: around 865 RUB per person.
• taxi from the airport to accommodation in the city center (if using a mobile application): from 1400 RUB per trip.
• taxi booked in advance: from 32 euro

Go to downtown Moscow from Vnukovo by aeroexpress, then metro or taxi

The Aeroexpress train is a direct train. It has only two stops: Vnukovo Airport and Kievsky Station. So it’s simple, you can’t miss or get off at another stop.

• Aeroexpress for Moscow Vnukovo Airport. 500 RUB per person at the automatic terminals or cash desks on site. Reductions for children under 7 years old.
• Schedules and frequencies of the aeroexpress. Every day from 6 a.m. to midnight. Every 30 minutes.
• Travel time. Between 35 minutes and 45 minutes.

Kievsky Train Station is located in downtown Moscow. You then have two options: take public transportation or take a taxi.

Public transport from Kievsky Station. The nearest metro station is Kievskaya metro station. It is a convenient station, because it is on two metro lines: the brown circular line, the light blue line, dark blue line. It’s one of the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow! Estimate. For a single trip, count 55 RUB per person + 60 RUB per suitcase (maximum cost therefore). But you will also be able to take the opportunity to take a transport card which will be more advantageous for your trips there. For a more precise estimate, go to the article “ Public transport in Moscow “.

Take a taxi from Kievsky Station. If you are loaded or, more simply, if you want to make your arrival / departure more comfortable, it is better to take a taxi (beware of traffic jams). Kievsky Station is well located, so if you stay inside the Garden Ring, the price will not be excessive. Estimate of the race: in the 500-600 RUB the race, if you go through an application, more expensive if you go by a city taxi. You can use the station’s free WiFi, otherwise use your home plan (additional costs). To find out more, go to the article “ How to get around Moscow “, in the taxi section.

Moscow Vnukovo airport transfer: taxi

If you want to go to downtown Moscow by taxi, you will have less hassle with suitcases. Estimate of the race : 1400 RUB the race, if you go through a taxi application and your accommodation is located inside the Garden Ring; more expensive if you go by a city taxi. On the other hand, if your flight falls on the office hours, you will probably waste a lot of time in traffic jams and the race could then cost more in the end. More information on the taxi in the article “How to get around Moscow”, in the starting taxi.

Book a taxi in advance. You can book an airport transfer from Vnukovo Moscow in advance on KiwiTaxi website . It is easy and confortable to arrive when you have already booked the taxi. Prices started from 32 euro.

Moscow Vnukovo Airport Plan

Here is the airport plan that could help you for Moscow Vnukovo airport transfer.

Go through customs

Arriving in Russia, you will have to cross the border to then be able to collect your suitcase. Operation is similar at the exit border from the EU. You therefore have to queue at a ticket office. Some counters are reserved for citizens of the CIS, others are for all “International Passports”. In your case, it is “International Passports”. There is a light which indicates if the counter is available: Red don’t go, green go!

When you arrive at the border guard’s guide, give your passport. The border guard will do its verification work. It’s fast enough, allow 1mn for the passage. If you’ve ever played Paper, Please, well it’s the same :). Sometimes they ask which city you come from, the name of the airport of origin. When the border guard begins to stamp, it’s almost over. The border guard will give you back the passport with a flying sheet inside: the migration card. It must be kept because it will be requested at the exit. The hotel can also request it.

Here are all the details you need to know about Moscow Sheremetyevo airport transfer, airport transfer Moscow Domodedovo, and Moscow Vnukovo airport transfer.

Hope this information will help you prepare for your arrival in Moscow with confidence!

Travel tips from a trip in Moscow:

• Things to visit in Moscow: what to do and to see in Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Red Square: everything you need to know!
• The most beautiful metro stations in Moscow

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

St Petersburg public transport | Metro, bus, taxi in St Petersburg

Free moscow map in english: moscow metro map and city centre map, you may also like.

Bolshoi Theatre Moscow: how to buy tickets for Bolshoi theatre ballet?

• July 28, 2023

Moscow Kremlin: skip-the-line tickets and 8 things not to miss

• July 6, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

• September 18, 2023

Trains from Moscow to St Petersburg | Tickets, time, how does it work?

• December 12, 2023

Where to stay in Moscow: best districts & hotels in Moscow, what to avoid

• February 13, 2024