Airline launches snow and ice insurance
Flybe claims to have become the first airline to offer passengers travel insurance that provides cover for delays and missed departures caused by snow and ice.
The 'Snow and Ice' cover includes refunds for passengers not being able to leave home because they are snowed in, as well as delays caused by road closures.
The policy, which is underwritten by Chartis, is intended to restore confidence in the travel market following last winter's widespread weather-related flight delays and cancellations.
While standard travel insurance provides cover for travel delays and missed departures due to public transport failures, Flybe claims this is the first policy to cover problems with private vehicles used to travel to and from airports.
The policy includes
- Cancellation due to snow and ice (up to £3,000 per person).
If the vehicle in which a passenger is travelling is prevented from making the journey; or if road closures prevent them from reaching the departure point or their departure by aircraft, sea vessel, coach or train is delayed for more than 12 hours
- Additional expenses if a passenger is stranded at the point of departure in the UK (up to £100 per person)
- Additional costs to reach a passenger’s destination if they decide to continue on their trip (up to £200 per person)
- Additional expenses if they are stranded on their return journey home (up to £750 per person)
- Additional travel expenses to return home (up to £2,000 per person)
- Additional car parking, kennel and cattery fees (up to £250)
Flybe director of marketing Simon Lilley said: “Adverse winter weather conditions in recent years have undoubtedly dented people’s confidence for travelling during the winter because of the possibility of snow and ice disrupting their journey.
"With no other travel insurance providing this level of protection, we want to make sure that Flybe passengers booking online have the opportunity to choose a travel insurance option that will safeguard them at times when snow and ice conditions have the potential to severely impact their travel plans."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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