As problems continue at Heathrow, Laura Starkey sets out five ways you can learn from the troubles.
There were more red faces at Heathrow's Terminal 5 this week than you'd see at a clown convention.
For me, the travesty served as a powerful reminder that even the most perfectly planned vacations can descend into holidays from hell.
Not just through multi-million pound transport debacles - anything can go wrong, from your travel and accommodation plans to an onset of personal illness or injury.
Want to know how can you prevent your dream get-away from turning into a nightmare? Here are five top tips to take onboard if you're jetting off this year:
1. Know Your Rights
As if they didn't have enough problems, BA now faces accusations that some customers whose flights were cancelled have been misled over their compensation entitlements.
If this ever happens to you, it's worth knowing that air transport companies operating in EU airports must adhere to the rules set out by the Air Transport Users Council (AUC).
This means that customers who are delayed by two hours or more are entitled to "reasonable provisions" for food and drink, plus two free phonecalls and access to email or other forms of communication. Anyone delayed by 5 hours or more has the right to a full refund on their plane ticket, if they decide not to travel.
If you're delayed because your flight has been cancelled, you'll be entitled to a refund, a re-routed journey and compensation depending on the severity of the problems experienced.
The amount of compensation you're entitled to is worked out on a sliding scale, starting at €125 (roughly £98) for a two hour delay, and increasing for longer delays and cancellations.
Someone travelling from London to New York, for example, would be entitled to €600 (currently, £473) in compensation if their arrival in the big Apple was more than four hours later than arranged, due to a cancellation.
What's more, if your flight is cancelled and you need to stay near an airport overnight, your airline is required to meet ‘reasonable' hotel and transfer costs.
Of course, there are certain restrictions. If an airline cannot operate due to ‘extraordinary circumstances' (such as adverse weather conditions, security alerts or political unrest) they are exempt from paying compensation.
Otherwise, whether you're travelling top class or bargain basement, the AUC rules apply - so if you have an expensive insurance premium that promises to pay out if your flight is cancelled, it may be time to switch.
2. Get Free Health Cover
If you haven't travelled in Europe for the past year or two, you may not be aware that your old E111 form is no longer valid.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) replaced the E111 in January 2006, but does the same job.
If you carry one with you when you're in any of the 29 countries it covers, you'll have access to reduced-cost or even free health care should you need it. Plus, if you have to spend on treatment, the EHIC allows for you to claim a full or partial refund.
An EHIC is totally free and easy to apply for online or in the post office - so there's no excuse for travelling without one.
Having said that, the EHIC is only meant to provide the bare minimum of cover, and getting one is no alternative for travel insurance. Remember, too, that you must get your card before you travel, as hospitals and surgeries abroad will need to see it before they can treat you at a reduced cost.
3. Consider Your Needs
It's important to consider the kind of travel insurance cover you really need before signing on the dotted line.
If you're planning an adventure holiday that will involve lots of death-defying pursuits, for example, you'll need quite different coverage from a person who intends to laze around by the pool reading romance novels.
Similarly, your age and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have will affect your insurance needs.
Last week's troubles have highlighted that insurance policies which cover replacement items needed due to delayed or lost baggage can be useful!
Think about your circumstances and what you'll be doing on holiday in order to make sure you pick the right policy.
Also, remember it's as easy to be over-insured as under-insured. Not many of us need £15 million worth of medical cover, but it's easy to end up paying for it!
4. Plan Ahead
If you know how many holidays you're going to take each year, it can make organising your travel insurance much easier.
For those going away more than once, annual travel insurance policies are often the cheapest option. Insuring separately for several holidays can be more expensive than paying a competitive yearly premium.
Similarly, it helps to know where you'll be travelling in advance. Europe-only insurance policies are cheap, while insuring a trip to the USA independently can be more expensive than taking out an annual travel policy that covers the States.
5. Compare Quotes
Finally, as any Fool knows, shopping around for products like insurance is the best way to get a good deal.
That way, you can look after your bank balance at the same time as protecting life and limb.
Why not try the Fool's travel insurance comparison service to find the best deal for you?
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