Any way to guarantee compensation for lost days if airlines delay trip?

[Ashley1757]

I've been wanting to book a villa for a family trip outside of my country, but with unpredictable airline cancelations, I'm afraid to do it. Unfortunately travel insurance doesn't appear to cover reimbursement for lost days for rooms and car rentals. Seeing what the airlines gave my husband (on a work trip) after he missed his connection due to a flight delay, I'm not feeling optimistic about getting fair compensation. He lost a full day and night in a 5 star hotel in Brazil and the airline in Houston put him up in a dump that smelled like mold and didn't have any nearby places to eat. He was kicked out of his room at eleven and had to wander the airport until 8pm for his rescheduled flight. Is there anything that can be done to avoid this possible outcome? It just feels too risky to pay for something I'm going to lose if the airlines ruin our trip. I just wish there was a simple insurance I could pay that covers this one thing. Would have booked this trip last year if the risk hadn't seemed so high.

[Shirley26 · Accepted solution]

Each host chooses a cancellation policy.

Standard policies

Your standard cancellation policy is for shorter reservations. It applies to all bookings of fewer than 28 consecutive nights.

• Flexible cancellation policy: Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in for a full refund, and you won’t be paid. If they cancel less than 24 hours before check-in and never check in, you’ll be paid for the first night. If they cancel after check-in, you’ll be paid for each night they stay, plus 1 additional night.
• Moderate cancellation policy: Guests can cancel up to 5 days before check-in for a full refund, and you won’t be paid. If they cancel after that, you’ll be paid for each night they stay, plus 1 additional night and 50% for all unspent nights.
• Firm cancellation policy: To receive a full refund, guests must cancel at least 30 days before check-in. They can also get a full refund within 48 hours of booking if the cancellation occurs at least 14 days before check-in. If they cancel between 7 and 30 days before check-in, you’ll be paid 50% for all nights. If they cancel less than 7 days before check-in, you’ll be paid 100% for all nights.
• Strict cancellation policy: To receive a full refund, guests must cancel within 48 hours of booking, and the cancellation must occur at least 14 days before check-in. If they cancel between 7 and 14 days before check-in, you’ll be paid 50% for all nights. If they cancel after that, you’ll be paid 100% for all nights.

There are different cancellation policies for longer stays as well.

When booking be sure to check the cancellation policy for the place you are considering to reserve.

Best