Chaos at Heathrow terminal five: Are you covered?

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The opening of Heathrow's Terminal 5 was supposed to revolutionise air travel for passengers, however the disastrous events of the last week have caused travel misery for many passengers.

Thousands of frustrated travellers have experienced delayed and cancelled flights as well as lost luggage and travel insurance companies have been inundated with calls and claims for compensation.

Know your rights - Are you entitled to compensation?

Travellers affected by the flight cancellation and luggage troubles should know their rights about exactly what compensation they are entitled to and from whom. You should keep in touch with both your airline as well as your travel insurer.

Comprehensive travel insurance should provide you with compensation in the event of a delay, however you must read your travel insurance policy terms and conditions carefully. Your flight or luggage may have to be delayed for more than 12 hours before your insurer will pay out.

Travellers are reminded that valuable items are not usually covered by travel insurance policies if they are in the hold. Always pack valuable items in hand luggage or keep them with you during the flight.

Advice to travellers

• Report any lost or damaged luggage to your airline immediately.

• Keep receipts, valuations, photographs of any items as these will help to support your claim for lost belongings.

• If your flight is delayed ask your airline for written confirmation of the delay, reasons for it and exact length. Your airline should provide you with compensation for 'reasonable provisions' for food and drink and overnight accommodation where necessary.

• For cancelled flights your airline should refund your ticket or book you onto an alternative flight to your destination and provide you with compensation depending on the severity of the problem.