Experts say while travel insurance can’t prevent issues at the airport, it can make dealing with them less stressful. People who have it can get reimbursement benefits for travel delay, missed connection, trip interruption and lost baggage.
If a flight is delayed three hours or longer, for example, and you miss the departure of a cruise or tour, you’ll be covered by the missed connection benefit. Purchases made for essentials while waiting for baggage to arrive will also be reimbursed if your luggage is delayed.
To be reimbursed, travelers must file a claim upon returning from a trip, Walch said. The claim could take a few months to process, so you should file as soon as possible.
“Be sure to keep all relevant documents related to the claim, like receipts and itemized bills for all expenses,” Walch said. “You should keep unused travel tickets and proof of payment for those tickets, the police report for any stolen items, and proof from the airline that your baggage was lost or delayed as well.”
Walch says airlines are not required by law to provide a certain kind of compensation or reimbursement if a flight is delayed—especially if it is for a reason beyond their control, like the weather. While most do provide something, it may not be to the extent you are expecting, so know what your airline offers before heading to the airport.
InsureMyTrip is a travel insurance comparison site that helps travelers find the best provider and plan for their trip at a price they can afford. Here are a few of its tips for flying:- Fly direct. If you have a layover and your first flight is delayed or canceled, it can have a ripple effect on your travel plans. You may miss the layover, and it can cause a logistical nightmare. Flying direct can help you avoid that issue. If you must book a layover, give yourself some breathing room so even if your first flight is delayed you can still make it on your second.
- Be informed. Know your airline’s delay/cancellation policy to determine what compensation you are entitled to if a flight is canceled or delayed. Also know your airport’s delay and cancellation record. If you have a couple of options for airports to fly out of, choose the one with the better “on-time” record!
- Pack only a carry-on. This will ensure your luggage makes it to your destination and will help you avoid the long line of people checking a bag.
- Plan ahead. Buy a plane ticket months before a trip to get the cheapest price possible. Also, download your airline’s app and check your flight status before heading to the airport. Check in ahead of time to avoid the long lines at the airline desk and go right to security. Signing up for TSA precheck will help you avoid long security lines.
Top 20 Airports With the Highest Cancellation Rates
Data from 2023:1. EWR—Newark Liberty International
2. LGA—LaGuardia Airport
3. JFK—JFK International
4. ORF—Norfolk International
5. BUF—Buffalo Niagara International
6. BOS—Logan International
7. FLL—Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International
8. DFW—Dallas Fort Worth International
9. DAL—Dallas Love Field
10. RIC—Richmond International
11. MEM—Memphis International
12. MKE—Milwaukee Mitchell International
13. DEN—Denver International
14. DCA—Ronald Reagan Washington National
15. BUR—Hollywood Burbank Airport
16. CLE—Cleveland Hopkins International
17. MDW—Chicago Midway International
18. RDU—Raleigh-Durham International
19. TPA—Tampa International
20. MCO—Orlando International
