What is scheduled airline failure insurance?Scheduled airline failure insurance (SAFI) protects you if the airline you are flying with goes into administration and cancels your flights. It covers the cost of unused tickets so you can book alternative flights, or reimburses your losses if your trip cannot be salvaged. SAFI is separate from standard travel insurance cancellation cover and from ATOL protection. SAFI covers you if your airline collapses before or during your trip. ATOL protection covers package holidays booked through a licensed operator. The two do not overlap. How is SAFI different from ATOL protection?
Do I need SAFI if I have ATOL protection?If you book a package holiday through an ATOL-licensed operator, ATOL covers you and you do not need SAFI. SAFI is needed when you book flights independently — for example, booking directly with an airline and accommodation separately — which is not covered by ATOL. Which travel insurance policies include SAFI?SAFI is included in many comprehensive travel insurance policies but is not universal — always check the policy wording. Look for the terms scheduled airline failure or end supplier failure in the policy documents. Providers that typically include SAFI in comprehensive tiers include Aviva, Allianz, Staysure, InsureandGo, and Direct Travel Insurance. What does SAFI cover?
What SAFI does not cover
Am I protected if I paid by credit card?If you paid for flights directly with a credit card and the amount was over £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act makes your card provider jointly liable — you can claim a full refund from them if the airline fails. This is often a simpler and faster route to a refund than a SAFI claim. Verdict Essential for independently booked flights If you book flights directly with airlines rather than through an ATOL-licensed package, check your travel insurance includes SAFI or end-supplier failure cover. Alternatively, pay by credit card and rely on Section 75 for amounts over £100. Frequently asked questionsIs SAFI the same as end supplier failure cover? Broadly yes — end supplier failure cover is a wider term that includes airline failure but may also cover hotel, car hire, or other supplier collapses. SAFI specifically refers to airline failure. Check your policy wording for what is included. Does my travel insurance automatically include SAFI? Not always. SAFI is more commonly included in comprehensive or premium-tier policies. Basic or budget policies often exclude it. Check the policy schedule or call your insurer to confirm. What should I do if my airline goes bust? Contact your travel insurance provider to make a SAFI claim. Also check your credit card statement as Section 75 may apply. The CAA website (caa.co.uk) publishes guidance when airlines fail, including which passengers qualify for ATOL refunds. Does SAFI cover Ryanair or easyJet? Most SAFI policies cover scheduled services including major budget carriers. However, some policies specifically exclude certain low-cost carriers. Check your policy wording and confirm your specific airline is covered before travelling. |
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