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So, you’re stuck at the airport, and your travel plans are suddenly up in the air (pun intended). Whether your flight’s been delayed, cancelled, or you’ve missed your connection, it’s a frustrating experience.
As an EU traveller, you have certain rights, and your airline should be your first stop for assistance. But don’t forget, your travel insurance might offer additional perks - like access to airport lounges through SmartDelay™ - making the wait a bit more bearable (perhaps even enjoyable). Grab a beverage and read on to discover how to make the best of a bad situation and keep your journey on track.
Take a deep breath and try not to panic. Flight disruptions happen, and you'll get through this.
Travelers tip: it’s a great idea to download your airline’s app before you leave home, because let’s face it, no one likes having to stand in chaotic situations, trying to download and register for apps in moments of stress. If the app is already on your phone, you can access the information you need, as soon as you know you have flight issues.
Traveler tip: When your flight is canceled or you miss a connection, it’s natural to want to immediately book a new flight. But take a breath and hold off. Your airline might automatically rebook you on the next available flight—often at no extra cost. Before making any decisions, check your airline’s app or speak to their customer service. Buying a new ticket in haste might mean you’re left paying out of pocket, as airlines typically won’t reimburse you for flights purchased independently, and travel insurance may only cover specific situations. Patience can save you both money and stress.
Travelers tip: if your airline offers you a reasonable alternative, take it. Should you need to make a travel insurance claim later, you’ll need to show that you first tried to get reimbursed by the airline or your travel provider. Keep all the proof handy—it’ll make your claim process smoother.
Traveler tip: getting to the airport early is key. Aim for at least two hours for domestic flights and three for international ones—but double-check with your airline for the latest advice. This way, you’ll breeze through security with time to spare, keeping your travel day stress-free.
Traveller tip: delays and cancellations happen more often than we’d like, so it’s best to be prepared. Wear comfy clothes, pack some snacks, and have your favourite book, show, or playlist ready to keep you entertained while you wait.
Travel insurance may be able to step in where your airline falls short. Here are some situations where travel insurance may be able to provide some relief.
World Nomads offers a Standard Plan and an Explorer Plan, which have different per-day and maximum benefit limits. For EU travellers, who’ve purchased an Explorer Plan, World Nomads may offer the following coverage:
Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits. Read your chosen plan thoroughly to understand the benefit limits.
Turn delays into downtime with SmartDelay. Offered exclusively to World Nomad travel insurance policyholders, SmartDelay transforms an otherwise frustrating flight delay into an opportunity for a moment of comfort and relaxation – at no extra cost. Now, that’s one way to turn a negative into a positive, right?
Before you travel (at least 24 hours), simply register your flight details with SmartDelay. If your flight gets delayed by more than 90 minutes, you and up to four additional passengers (named on their policy and on the same flight) automatically receive a LoungeKey™ pass, aka your personal ticket to a comfortable, relaxing airport lounge (and complimentary snacks—plenty of snacks!).
With SmartDelay, you can enjoy a range of benefits in the airport lounge, including:
Entertainment options: pass the time with a selection of TVs, magazines, and more – keeping boredom at bay while you wait for your flight.
Travel insurance isn’t designed to cover everything. Exclusions include, but are not limited to:
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. If you are unsure about your level of travel coverage, please contact us for help.
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation before you leave home.
We’ve got your back.
Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.
We’ve got your back.
Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.
Help starts here.
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear (just not sports equipment when in use).
Help starts here.
We're here to help if you have a question about your claim. We're available.
Contact usFor policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
| Country of residence | Phone |
|---|---|
| Belgium | +44 (0) 333 333 9621 |
| Denmark | +44 (0) 333 333 9619 |
| Germany | +44 (0) 333 333 9618 |
| Netherlands | +44 (0) 333 333 9617 |
| Country of residence | |
|---|---|
| Belgium | worldnomads.clmsbe@collinsoninsurance.com |
| Denmark | worldnomads.clmsdk@collinsoninsurance.com |
| Germany | worldnomads.clmsde@collinsoninsurance.com |
| Netherlands | worldnomads.clmsnl@collinsoninsurance.com |
| Country of residence | Phone |
|---|---|
| Belgium | +32 (0)2 808 66 32 |
| Denmark | +45 89 87 30 23 |
| Germany | +49 (0)335 5622 3012 |
| Netherlands | +31 (0)20 8080731 |