Am I covered? 5G flight cancellations cause confusion

The launch of Verizon and AT&T's new 5G service has caused concern across airports in the US, with airlines fearing the new technology could interfere with aircraft and cause disruptions to flights.

Travel experts at Squaremouth inform customers that some policies may not provide cover for flights cancelled due to complications with 5G. As this is a new issue, they explained that there is still ambiguity on how to categorise the problem. For insurers to be able to provide cover, said Squaremouth, the specific reason for flight cancellation must be listed on the policy documents as included. When airlines are unclear about the reason, this can cause problems for both insurers and customers.  

Highlighting squaremouth.com as an example, they explained that most policies include cover for ‘mechanical failure and equipment failure’ under the Trip Cancellation benefit, but whether 5G cancellations fall into this bracket has yet to be determined. They advised customers to wait before taking out last minute policies and warned that those hoping for reimbursements for cancelled flights could be disappointed.

Although travellers many not be refunded for the flight, under Travel Delay and Missed Connection benefits, they can claim for additional expenses related to the cancellation, such as food and accommodation, said Squaremouth.

As cover can only be provided for ‘unforeseen’ events, they concluded that it is ‘too late’ for passengers travelling in the next few weeks to take out insurance for this reason. Now the public is aware of the threat posed by the 5G launch on their travel plans insurers could treat the problem as ‘known’ or ‘expected’, making claims invalid.