Posted on 04 December 2019

As modern consumers we are blessed with ever-faster ways of managing our lives. We can order a product online and receive it the very next day, we can get the latest news beamed into our smartphones as soon as it happens and if we get the urge to watch a new movie or TV series we can do so online, immediately.

But when it comes to travel, things can only go so fast. Yes, we can book flights and hotels in a matter of seconds, but we're still subject to the mechanics of travel which, unfortunately, includes travel disruption.

Some of us find waiting at the airport bad enough even when our plane is on time, so any further delays can be rather stressful. But in a world dominated by smart technology and efficient-driving processes, why is disruption still a common feature of modern travel?

The domino effect

Airlines meticulously plan their schedules, not least to maximise the number of flights they can make each day. Revenue is the bottom line, of course, but when something disrupts this precise planning, it can have serious knock-on effects that, sometimes, take days to rectify – think back to the Heathrow drone protest (August 2019). Additionally, delays at one airport can cause delays at other airports.

Technical issues

Today's aircraft are complicated machines, so when something goes wrong, it requires time and expertise to fix. If a plane has any kind of mechanical issue, it isn't going to take off - which can cause significant delays. A good comprehensive travel insurance policy will offer protection against delayed and cancelled flight costs. 

Extreme weather

Air travel is highly sensitive to the weather. Electrical storms, snowfall and high winds can all bring airport operations to a standstill. Such extreme weather can create a domino effect that could see a flight from the sunny Canary Islands delayed due to a snowstorm in Manchester.

Staff exceeding working hours

Flight crews must remain fresh and alert throughout their time on duty. Strict rules ensure cabin crew and pilots are not overworked - and have time to get enough rest. If these limits are exceeded, they simply are not permitted to work - which, if back-up staff aren't available, could mean delays to your journey.

Strike action

It's not uncommon for airlines to be impacted by strike action - whether undertaken by ground staff, air crews or pilots. No staff means no flights! Airlines themselves are not obliged to pay compensation, but should provide essentials such as food and accommodation if the delay is very long. Get extra protection against delayed and cancelled flight costs, with travel insurance from starttravel.co.uk.

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