New data from Squaremouth.com, the US travel insurance company, reveals that it is expected that the number of travelers this summer increases by 10% compared to last year.
The company also notes that several major US-based airlines, including United, Southwest and American, face potential pilot strikes before a busy summer travel season.
And as travel disruptions become a more realistic possibility this summer, Squaremouth reviewed data from previous summer travel insurance claims, to offer advice on how travelers can protect themselves if a strike interrupts their trip.
The insurer anticipates that further disruption may be on the horizon, as last summer an influx of travel demand coupled with a Historic staff shortages exposed the fragility of the travel industry.
Squaremouth says last year’s claims help identify the most common travel complications travelers can expect.
According to the statistics, 50% of claims were due to trip interruptions that occurred after the traveler left homesuch as delays, missed connections and trip interruptions.
Summer 2022 Paid Travel Claims:
Type of complication: Disruptions during the trip
Percentage of claims: 49.68%
Type of complication: Medical emergencies
Percentage of claims: 25.59%
Type of complication: Cancellations prior to departure
Percentage of claims: 15.78%
Type of complication: Lost, damaged or delayed baggage
Percentage of claims: 8.96%
The report indicates that pilot strikes often result in flight cancellations, delays and missed connections if not resolved in a timely mannerso it recommends:
· Buy a policy in advance: Generally, for a strike to be covered, you must purchase your policy before the strike is formally announced.
· Look for flexible protection against delays: See a policy with delay benefits that covers “any common carrier delay” and can be activated after a 3 hour delay.
· Get Cancellation Coverage: A labor strike trip cancellation policy can protect your trip costs.
· protect your luggage: Labor strikes can result in baggage being delayed, misplaced or even lost.
· Save any document: This includes receipts as well as notices from your airline.
Squaremouth recalls that the Airline Pilot Strikes Travel Insurance Information Centre, provides up-to-date information on possible pilot strikesincluding current event updates, more tips for travelers, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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