Snow And Adverse Weather Travel Advice

Summary: The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for the UK with adverse weather conditions likely to disrupt travellers plans up until the end of February.

Airports

Heathrow Airport and other major airports in the south-east of England and Scotland have already experienced some flight disruptions. Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airline before heading to the airport, on the status of their flight.

Railways

Severe weather may cause trains to run at slower speeds; travellers are urged to catch earlier trains to airports than usual if possible.

• Allow for extra time for travel to your airport
• Check with the National Rail Enquiries on the status of train lines and if there are any expected delays

Ports And Ferries

Severe weather may have an effect on scheduled departure and arrival times of ferries in and out of UK Ports. Please check with your travel agent before arriving at your port of departure on the expected status of your ferry.

Please continue to monitor local news and media for information regarding the effects of adverse weather conditions on travel in the UK.

For more information for our customers, please see below.

Last Updated: 08 December 2011

Summary: People in the northern parts of the UK (North Ireland, Scotland and the North east of England) are advised to brace themselves for travel disruptions over the weekend due to severe weather.

The Met Office has warned of expected wind speeds of up to 80 km/h which have the potential to disrupt travel.

Air Travel

Airports are watching the approaching storm's progress and the impact it may have on flights. Travellers are advised to:

• Follow local news stations for updates on the storm and possible flight delays or cancellations
• Check on your flight's expected status by contacting your airline, before travelling to the airport

Rail Travel

Network Rail in Scotland has declared a speed restriction across Scotland which will see travel times increase and a fewer number of trains running.

If you are planning on travelling to the airport by rail, be sure to plan your trip with provisions for the delays which may take place.

Information on how adverse weather conditions may affect our customers can be found below.

Last Updated: 05 December 2011

Summary: British travellers are advised to be alert as winter sets in and to follow local and international news reports on adverse weather conditions - especially snow storms. Flight delays at an aeroplane's original departure will often cause a knock on effect, affecting traveller's departure times from subsequent airports.

Advice For Travellers

When hearing of snow delays occurring - even if the airport you are travelling from is not immediately affected - you should:

• Check on your flight's expected status by contacting your airline, before travelling to the airport.
• Follow your airport of departure and arrival on Twitter for updates on flight statuses
• If your flight is scheduled for early morning departure consider booking into an airport hotel
• Be prepared for delays. Unfortunately, this time of year is know for them.

How Adverse Weather Affects Our Customers

Travel Insurance - Provided your policy and your holiday was purchased before the announcement of bad weather, you will be covered by the full schedule of benefits for:

• Travel delay - you will be provided with up to £20 coverage for the first full 12 consecutive hours delay, followed by the subsequent amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits for each full 12 hours delay thereafter.
• Missed departure - We will pay you up to the amount as shown in the Schedule of Benefits for reasonable additional accommodation (room only) and travel expenses necessarily incurred in reaching Your overseas destination or returning to the UK if you fail to arrive at the international departure point in time to board the scheduled public transport on which you are booked to travel as a result of adverse weather conditions.
• Cancellation - you will be paid up to the amount shown in the Schedule of Benefits for any irrecoverable unused travel and accommodation costs if the reason for cancellation is unavoidable and necessary.

Airport Parking - Should you need to cancel your airport parking and did not purchase a cancellation waiver when making your booking, you will be charged a cancellation fee of £5. Please note: cancellations will only be refunded if made at least 24 hours before the expected time of arrival.

Airport Hotels - You can amend or cancel a booking up to 48 hours before arrival. Depending on which hotel you book the cancellation will either be free or a fee of £15 per room will be applicable. No refunds are available if you cancel within less than 48 hours notice.

Should you need assistance in cancelling your airport parking or hotel, please call customer services on 0845 803 5434 (lines are open Monday -Friday: 9am - 5.30pm).