By Danny Almon, Travel Columnist
I had an interesting conversation with a client a short while ago about trip interruption being provided by, in her case, Air Canada, but similar scenarios would no doubt be in effect with other airlines.
She asked me if this trip interruption “coverage” was similar to the trip interruption and cancellation insurance that our agency offered to protect clients from missed connections, or canceled flights, weather, mechanical issues, and so on.
I told her that my understanding was that if you had a single ticket that connected you from your departing point to your final destination, the airline had a responsibility to ensure that you make it to your destination. I believe that’s what she was referring to regarding “trip interruption”. I asked her if she understood what was the airlines’ responsibility regarding the complete flight: she was unsure.
Where that becomes particularly important is if the airline has to cancel the flight with upwards of 300 people on the plane, then their responsibility is to get those 300 people on the next available flights with their airline, in their opinion. Where a problem arises is if for the next few flights over the next few days, (is there only 1 flight a week?) if there is not enough availability to accommodate 300 passengers, how does that affect your vacation?
How can you ensure that you and your family are protected and that you salvage as much of your vacation as you possibly can?
If you have credit card insurance, it is essential for you to contact your credit card insurance company to have the coverage explained to you. Most people who complain about travel insurance not providing them with the coverage that they expected, really haven’t taken the time to explore how the coverage works. Call, make note of the date and time, and the name of the representative you’re speaking with (almost all calls are recorded) and get them to explain what the limits of your coverage are – before you make your booking.
Policies offered by travel insurance companies, through travel agencies, offer a more comprehensive package. Of course, this means that you have to pay for the insurance. We, as travel agents, know the broad terms of the insurance that we sell but when it comes to complex medical situations or intricate travel situations, we advise the clients to go directly to the insurance company for an interpretation. Travel insurance, as with car insurance and house insurance, offers the client an opportunity to rest easy, knowing that these items are covered.
Call Danny for all your travel requirements at 902 431 4932 or write me at danny@almontravel.ca
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