Airlines will not refund you for loss of earnings. They are only responsible for covering direct costs, such as hotel rooms, meals and alternative flights. They are not obliged to cover consequential losses.
Travel insurance policies will not usually cover loss of earnings either.
If you think you’re going to be late back at work because of flight delays, you have a responsibility to contact your employer to let them know you won’t be back as planned, legal experts say.
You should agree with your employer how to deal with the absence – for example, by using more annual leave or time banked in lieu. Taking unpaid leave could also be an option.
Employers have no legal obligation to pay employees who are absent in this situation, experts say, unless it is stated in their contract.