How tough airport security could affect passengers
After police found bomb-making items during a Sydney raid recently, Sydney airport has ramped up security like never before – but is it causing passengers to miss their flights? And, more importantly, will they be covered by their travel insurance if they do?
In late July, authorities arrested four men after five properties were raided in New South Wales – and believed the group was planning a terrorist attack, using an “improvised device” to target an Etihad flight out of Sydney.
Because of this dire situation, the beginning of August saw long queues snaked outside Sydney airport as travellers were subjected to extended security screenings. The increased security checks also impacted anyone travelling from other major Aussie capital cities.
So with airport security expected to clamp down further over the next few weeks (after authorities realised just how close the plot came to being successfully carried out), will travellers who don’t foresee the extra delays be covered if they miss their flights?
Would travel insurance cover passengers for a missed flight due to enhanced security measures?
Longer security screenings mean a longer wait time until you can get on a flight – but many travellers may not realise how long they’ll be waiting until it’s too late.
This was a key issue when airlines last week urged passengers to arrive an extra hour earlier, but weren’t equipped to process that many people when they actually showed up.
So will your travel insurance policy cover you as a result of the heightened security measures at Australian airports?
The answer, as is often the case with travel insurance matters, depends on the particular set of circumstances facing customers.
Director of Comparetravelinsurance.com.au, Natalie Ball, said travellers should be aware of any extra delays before they travel.
“Whether travellers will be covered for delays due to the increased security measures is a complex matter as far as travel insurance goes.
“Depending upon your policy and any general exclusions relating to travel disruptions, cancellations and terrorism, you may have cause to claim,” she said.
“However, our overarching message at this time is to prepare for delays and follow your airline’s advice prior to making alternative arrangements.”
Strict security measures for domestic travellers
Even though police caught the terror perpetrators before a bomb made it onto a plane, the threat alone may have lasting consequences for domestic travellers across Australia.
The new proposed security measures will reintroduce the liquid and aerosols ban on domestic flights along with stricter identification methods. Passengers without valid boarding passes will not be allowed past security either.
This also means that new airport security measures won’t fall under traditional travel insurance cover.
“As it stands, travel insurance would not usually cover for increased security restrictions or for events that have already hit the mass media,” Ball said.
“Customers who have experienced issues prior to widespread news of these security measures may have provision to claim but it will depend on their specific situation.”
Despite the added inconvenience, Ball cautioned travellers not to disregard any issued protocols.
“Travellers have been advised to arrive at the airport two to three-hours prior to their flights for their own protection and failure to do so could affect your travel insurance claim.
“Passenger safety will be at the top of the agenda for the immediate future and any travel advisories issued from your airline should be strongly adhered to.”
What are travellers entitled to when there’s a flight delay?
If a flight delay is within the airline’s control (due to mechanical or crewing issues) your airline will be obligated to either book you on another flight as soon as space is available or offer you a refund.
However, Aussie airlines are not necessarily obligated to account for the care of delayed customers. Luckily some airlines, like Virgin and Qantas, will provide reasonable meal and accommodation costs until travellers reach their final destination.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
comparetravelinsurance.com.au sydney airport terror threatLatest News
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.