 |
Today's Travel News
Thursday, March 13, 2008
|
 |
|
Antidote For Lost or Delayed Baggage
Covering yourself for lost or delayed baggagecan be a smart move, advises the U.S. Travel Insurance Association. The more people travel, the more baggage mishaps increase.In fact, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (U.S. Department of Transportation), the nation's 20 largest carriers posted a mishandled baggage rate of 7.25 reports per 1,000 passengers for the first nine months of 2007, an almost 20% increase over the same time in 2006.
"That translates into nearly 3.5 million bags delayed, lost or damaged for domestic airlines alone," says Brad Finkle, president of the UStiA." If you are traveling to Athens, Greece and your luggage arrives in Athens, Georgia, you have a problem.“ "Many travelers assume that the airlines must cover delayed baggage," says Finkle."While airlines may be liable up to $3,000 on domestic flights for lost or damaged baggage, compensation for baggage delays in case of bad weather or situations beyond the airline's control is up to each individual carrier.One airline may provide toiletries, another up to $25 per day and yet another may not provide anything for such delays.” A bag might have to remain missing anywhere from five to 21 days before it’s considered lost, according to Finkle. To make matters worse, international airlines’ compensation for loss, damage or delay under international agreements can be substantially less than U.S. requirements. The solution to avoiding personal financial damage caused by under compensation for lost or damaged bags, according to common sense and the admittedly biased opinion of the UStiA, is – what else – travel insurance. Passengers with travel insurance don't have to worry about when and whether their airline will cover necessary expenditures in case of weather or non-airline caused delays. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies include a delayed baggage benefit of $100 to $500 total to help with necessary purchases.Depending on the policy, the delayed baggage coverage may become effective within four to 24 hours from the time luggage is reported missing. "The assistance hotline provided with most travel insurance policies will also help track and coordinate the return of your bags so that you don't have to worry about calling the airline each day to find out the status of your bags," adds Finkle. ...More
Recent Articles
|
It's one of the first things many vacationers look for when they come to Hawaii: finding a way to experience a truly authentic Hawaiian activity. Now, with Ho'omau Na Mea Hala (continuing all things hala), a new and free cultural program presented by Mana Hawaii-Spirit of Hawaii Nei, visitors don't have to look far to get a first-hand glimpse of Hawaiian culture. ...More
Catering to discriminating palates, Crystal Cruises will once again feature some of the world's rarest and most prominent wines in two 2008 Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners. For an intimate spring dinner for just 12 guests, Piero Selvaggio of the famed Valentino restaurants will present creative culinary specialties with 13 vintages from his coveted private wine collection, including a "Super Tuscan" 1997 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido and a Piedmontese 1964 Barolo Riserva Granbussia Aldo Conterno. ...More
Cunard Line is proud to bring Liner Notes to public radio, a new literary travel series that explores fascinating destinations and thought-provoking ways that travel can be experienced and enjoyed. Hosted by cultural wunderkind Paul Holdengräber and recorded with notable and knowledgeable guests over lunch at the Captain's table aboard Queen Mary 2, the series of themed, one-hour shows takes listeners on a journey of wit, wisdom and wanderlust, exploring destinations as they have been imagined and as they exist in literature, painting, film, music and myth. ...More
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recommends that cruisers carry a variety of payment options, including traveler’s checks when taking a voyage abroad. ...More
Forty-five minutes southwest of Jerusalem, visitors to Israel can experience one of the country's most tightly held secrets: the Valley of Elah. The recent Oscar-nominated movie, "In the Valley of Elah," starring Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron, may have done more for its name recognition than David's epic battle against Goliath which raged here, but this region, flanked by the gently rolling hills of Judea, still remains one of the Holy Land's less frequented gems. ...More
Spring officially begins Thursday, March 20, just in time to jumpstart an exciting Easter holiday weekend in Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast. With mild weather and shoulder season rates, it is the ideal time for a coastal getaway. Spend the weekend exploring barrier island beaches and Wilmington’s Downtown Riverwalk. ...More
“Living Green is the Key” is this year’s slogan for the annual Earth Day celebration to be held on the beachfront at Cheeca Lodge & Spa on April 19. The worldwide festivities honoring Mother Earth are marked by a very special line up of family-fun at Cheeca for visitors and local residents alike. Since 1994, guests at the hotel and residents of the Keys have met at the resort to enjoy a full day of beachfront activities, family barbecue, musical entertainment and environmental education. ...More
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has named Bill Hardman, president and CEO of Southeast Tourism Society, to a 2-year term on the 12-member National Park System Advisory Board. ...More
|
© 2008 Where To GO Next! All Rights Reserved.