First time of long flight delay
My first long flight delay was back in 2014. I made my second solo trip to New Zealand for a 2 weeks travel around the south island. I made prior bookings for my accommodations, domestic NZ flight and bus trips. Everything has been set and it was time to fly, until..
Expect the unexpected
On the day of my flight from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland, I saw the delayed sign has been put up. The initial time of departure has been delayed from 8.40pm to 12.00 midnight. I guessed, that should not affect me too much, after all, passengers received a coupon for a free meal as a small form of compensation from airline.
By 11.30pm, they still haven’t make a call for boarding announcement, until the very last minute, they told us that we will board the aircraft around 12.30am. Some passengers were getting irritated and grumpy.
Off we boarded the aircraft, and by 1.00am, the aircraft started taxing to the runway. I sat near the right engine and saw the routine check ups been done near the wing area. At some point, I hear a strange noise from the engine before the air conditioner omitted hot air. Few seconds later, the captain made an announcement to turn back to the terminal due to some small technical issue.
Long flight delay
While waiting for the issue to be fixed by ground crews, the cabin crews serve the meal to reduce the passengers’ stress level. However, half way through enjoying our meal, were we requested to wait in the boarding hall. And again, made an announcement for the long flight delay to 6.00pm. It was 3.00 in the morning.
A decent compensation
Luckily, the airline provided a room to stay while waiting for the next flight in a 5 stars hotel. Plus 5 stars breakfast and lunch. Unfortunately, my connecting flight in Auckland to Queenstown will be missed.
Total losses
I have to go straight to Queenstown as soon as I Ianded in Auckland since I have made prior booking for accommodation and bus trips in south island. To buy a new connecting flight ticket at last minute were very expensive, around NZD350. And I have no choice but to buy the ticket.
At 6.00pm, we safely departed and arrived in Auckland the next morning, and made my connecting flight to Queenstown the same day.
Overall, my flight was delayed for about 22 hours, which cost me 1 night accommodation in Auckland, and NZD350 new flight ticket. Luckily, I have a travel insurance for this trip.
So, how did travel insurance covered me?