Travel headache, insurance nightmare

MrWayno

I thought I'd take to the forums to see if anyone can help or advise on my situation.

My flight from Manchester to Paris (CDG) was delayed and it meant that I missed my connecting flight to Singapore. Air France put me up in a hotel for the night and put me on the next flight the following day.

However, I booked all of my accommodation online through Expedia, Agoda and booked flights for the following day from Singapore to Thailand through a difference airline. The problem is that I don't seem to be able to get compensation from anywhere. Air France say it's not their problem, Expedia can't get a refund or change my dates for the hotel because it was a special promotion, my flights went up an extra £100 because I changed the date so close to departure plus i've also lost out on the rooms i've booked in Thailand because Agoda are saying it's within a 14 day window of my booking date.

To top it all I took out an annual travel insurance policy as recommended on this site by Martin Lewis with TopNotchCover.com and they seem to be anything BUT top notch! They said the only thing i'm covered for in my Silver Policy is a delay which entitles me to... wait for it... £20!

I'm obviously going to pursue compensation claims with the Air France and challenge the insurance company especially in the vagueness of the policy wordings but I wanted to know if anyone else has had similar issues and raise this in case you had any advice?

I think we need Mary Portas to move onto the travel industry next as it can't be right losing over £300 quid to a delay when it's not your fault. Plus no-one takes responsibility - they all blame each other!

I welcome your views!

Thanks.

huckster

I think this is where the independent traveller type cover would have helped. There are Travel Insurers that offer an optional cover to provide extra protection, where you have arranged travel options separately and not a packaged holiday.

Under a standard Travel Insurance, it would offer very little cover for the extra costs you have incurred. I have just had a quick read of the policy wording and I cannot see scope for any further payment beyond the £20.

I think the lesson here, is to arrange appropriate cover for a DIY holiday.

In regard to Travel industry compensation, I believe the only bit that may be open to compensation is the Manchester to Paris flight. Perhaps post to a Travel site, to see if anyone is aware of what may be available. This may depend on whether the Manchester flight was also provided by Air France.