The Rising Risk of Travel Delays

It is a sight every traveller dreads: your flight number on the departure screen, but next to it, that single, blinking word – Delayed. Suddenly, your well laid plans for a family holiday, a romantic honeymoon, or a crucial business meeting begin to unravel. There are often no clear explanations or updates, just a rising feeling of stress and helplessness.
The worst part? Most people have no idea what to do next, especially when stranded for hours on end, or even overnight.
How a Simple Delay Causes Chaos?
A flight delay is more than just an inconvenience; it can create a domino effect of costly problems. A single delayed flight can easily lead to a non-refundable hotel booking, a forfeited connecting flight, or pre paid tickets for a tour you can no longer make. You lose both time and money.
And if you are travelling with children or elderly relatives, the stress is magnified instantly. Your focus shifts to finding food, ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe, and figuring out where you might sleep.
Understanding the Causes of Delays
Many assume delays are simply down to poor airline management, but the reality is more complex. Delays happen for many reasons, several of which are completely out of anyone’s control. The key takeaway is that your itinerary can fall apart due to factors completely beyond your influence.

Operational Issues
Technical trouble with the aircraft, a late arriving crew, or delays with ground handling services.

Weather Conditions
Unpredictable weather like storms and fog, or even natural disasters such as volcanic ash clouds in nearby regions.

External Disruptions
Wider problems on the ground, from air traffic control congestion to airport strikes.

Security Checks & Border Controls
Heightened security screenings or immigration processing, especially during peak travel periods or in response to global events.
Your Immediate Action Plan When Stranded
If you find yourself stuck, here are four simple steps to take:
- Speak to your airline. Find their customer service desk to get the latest information and see about rescheduling.
- Consult your travel insurance policy. Check what you are entitled to, such as compensation or an overnight hotel stay.
- Hold on to all your receipts. Keep proof of any money you spend on meals, transport, or accommodation.
Stay calm and safe. Find a secure and comfortable place to wait, keep your electronic devices charged, and stay informed.
However, the most effective action you can take happens long before you even get to the airport: preparation.
How SOMPO TravelSafe+ Protects You?
Travel Delay Compensation
Should your journey be delayed, you will receive RM200 in compensation for every six consecutive hours you have to wait. This is practical money you can use for meals, a day room at a hotel, or other necessities while you are waiting.
Trip Cancellation Reimbursement
If the delay leads to the cancellation of part of your trip, such as a missed hotel booking or a tour, SOMPO TravelSafe+ will reimburse you for those irrecoverable deposits and advance payments. This means that instead of losing money on experiences you could not enjoy, you are compensated fairly.
Travel with Confidence
Travel delays are frustrating and unpredictable, but they do not have to be financially ruinous. While you cannot prevent them, you can certainly prepare for them. Flights can be delayed and plans can change, but your financial protection should remain steadfast.
Choose SOMPO TravelSafe+ and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being properly protected on your journey.
Introducing SOMPO TravelSafe+
Be it a vacation or a business trip that you are planning, do not miss out on getting protected from COVID-19. We bring you SOMPO TravelSafe+, a comprehensive travel Policy that covers losses resulting from COVID-19 diagnosis and other unforeseen events during your travel.
Are you travelling soon? Get SOMPO TravelSafe+ and enjoy these 6 stunning benefits for the best travel experience!

Medical, Hospital & Other Expenses up to RM500,000

Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation

Loss of Deposit or Cancellation due to COVID-19

Overseas Quarantine Allowance Due to COVID-19
