AA travel insurance supports BA customers

The AA has expressed surprise that some insurance companies are withdrawing cover for delay and loss of baggage at Heathrow's new Terminal 5.

Christian Young, CEO of AA Travel Insurance says: "Withdrawing cover at a time when customers come to rely on their travel insurance seems an extraordinary step.

"T5 is a brand new facility that has fantastic potential. Yes, it has certainly experienced problems as many travellers have discovered to their inconvenience but the fact remains that the majority of people now passing through the terminal are doing so without difficulty and we fully support British Airways in their effort to get the baggage handling issues resolved."

British Airways has confirmed that it is running a full schedule from T5 with minimal delays to flights or baggage. A spokesman said that the withdrawal of cover by some insurance companies is both unnecessary and inconvenient for passengers. "It has raised unfounded concern. The vast majority of delayed baggage has been identified and is being reunited with its owners."

AA Travel Insurance provides extensive cover at competitive premiums and includes cover for both flight delay and loss of baggage. "We have certainly received a large number of enquiries and claims," says Christian Young. "It is at times like this that travel insurance can perform best, by reassuring customers, answering common questions about the claims process and meeting claims. We are not about to add to the uncertainty by withdrawing cover for new customers whose travel plans take them through the new T5."