Originally Posted by
bmifly
I'm due to fly to New York later this week with BA but am scheduled to return to the UK on one of the days British Airways Cabin Crew may be on strike (27 to 31 January). I thought this would not be a problem as I would be covered by the comprehensive UK Amex Platinum insurance policy. However, while there is reference to cancelling trips due to industrial action on the way out I can find nothing about cover when returning - apart possibly just £150 for travel inconvenience cover. Can anyone clarify the situation?
My understanding of the Amex policy (and other travel insurance policies that I've looked at) is that if an airline cancels your flight, then it is between you and the airline to find you an alternate route out or home, and the insurance company won't normally step in and buy you an alternative flight with another airline.
As you mentioned, most policies will allow you to cancel your flight/holiday if you are delayed outbound by more than a fixed time, but again they won't normally buy you an alternate mode of transport if it is the airlines fault.
However, the Amex insurance is pretty unique in giving you £150 to spend yourself in this situation though!
I believe British Airways are under an obligation to get you home in this circumstance, including hotels for the delay, but the ball seems to be in their court as to how they accomplish this.
I'd imagine if you rang them now, they might agree to move your return date away from the strike date, but I've no direct experience of this situation.
Let us know how you get on
Summary of amex cover :-
http://www.americanexpress.com/pes/u...m_benefits.pdf