4 Common flight questions answered

With reports of cancelled flights and lost luggage making headlines, it's easy to feel uncertain about the trip you've been planning. CAA Travel Insurance¹ offers coverage options designed to fit your needs. 

Here are four questions travellers commonly ask about cancellations and lost luggage.

Can I get trip cancellation coverage for flight cancellations?

Yes. You can purchase trip cancellation coverage at any time, but it applies only to events that occur after you buy the policy. A policy bought after a flight has already been cancelled would not result in a refund for that cancellation.

Coverage is designed to protect against the unexpected. Once an event has already occurred or been announced, it generally falls outside the scope of what the policy covers.

Buying coverage shortly after booking puts protection in place for a longer window before departure. Reviewing the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions at the time of purchase helps ensure expectations are clear from the start.

Can I still get cancellation coverage for a flight that may be cancelled?

Yes. If a traveller is not aware that their flight has been cancelled at the time of purchase, they may be covered under the terms and conditions of a trip cancellation and interruption insurance policy.

Flight schedules can change for many reasons, often with little or no advance notice. If you purchase a policy while a flight is still scheduled and you are unaware of a cancellation, coverage may apply if the situation changes later.

If a cancellation is already known at the time of purchase, that event would generally not be covered. Coverage is intended for the unexpected, not for situations already in progress.

If a cancellation occurs after coverage is in place, travellers should contact their airline about rebooking or refund options, keep documentation of any additional costs, and contact their insurer to understand what is covered and how to file a claim.

Am I covered if I know my airline is cancelling flights?

Yes. A trip cancellation and interruption insurance policy may provide coverage even when an airline is reported to be cancelling flights, provided the traveller's own flight has not already been cancelled at the time of purchase. Coverage is subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.

General reports about an airline cancelling flights are not the same as a traveller's own flight being cancelled. Coverage depends on the status of the traveller's specific flight when the policy is purchased. If that flight has not yet been cancelled and the traveller has no knowledge of a cancellation, coverage may still apply under the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.

Not every disruption is a full cancellation. Sometimes a flight is simply delayed, and that's where CAA's Flight Delay Benefit comes in. Travellers with eligible CAA Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance may also have access to this benefit at no additional cost. 

Can I buy baggage coverage even if I know my air carrier is losing luggage?

Yes. You can purchase baggage coverage before departure as part of a travel insurance package. It is not available as a standalone product. You can purchase coverage after confirming there are no anticipated claims.

Because baggage coverage is only available as part of a package plan, reviewing the full range of options at booking can help travellers choose a plan that fits their overall needs.

Flight cancellations, delays and lost luggage can happen to any traveller. Trip cancellation and interruption coverage applies to events that occur after the purchase date. Cancellation coverage depends on whether the traveller's own flight has already been cancelled at the time of purchase. Baggage coverage requires a package plan. Travellers with eligible CAA Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance may also have access to the CAA Flight Delay Benefit.

CAA is here to help you get comprehensive coverage for your next trip. Learn more and get a quote online. For more information, visit a CAA Store, or call 1-800-267-8713.  

^1. CAA Travel Insurance is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. A Medical Questionnaire is required if you are 60 years of age and older. Quotes are valid for 30 days

~®CAA trademarks are owned by, and use is authorized by, the Canadian Automobile Association.~