AIG Travel Guard Saw 114% Increase in Calls for Assistance with Flight Delays in 2007
STEVENS POINT, Wis., March 19 /PRNewswire/ — Air travel has been a headache for travelers over the past year, and there is no indication that the situation is going to improve any time soon. As many school spring breaks coincide with the Easter holiday which falls earlier than ever this year, those planning spring break trips to warm weather destinations might be traveling during the peak winter storm season — and a prime time for flight delays and cancellations. Travelers planning spring break vacations should help prepare themselves in the case of air travel hassles by purchasing a travel insurance plan through AIG Travel Guard (http://www.travelguard.com/) ahead of time.
The year 2007 was among the worst for airline delays and cancellations, and 2008 has not started any better, according to new statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In 2007, flight delays climbed past 26 percent — the second worst on record — and new data shows that nearly one-third of commercial flights in the U.S. arrived late or were cancelled in January 2008.* Forty-four percent of flight delays and cancellations in January 2008 were weather-related, and the threat of winter storms can continue well into April.
AIG Travel Guard, one of the nation’s largest providers of travel insurance and assistance services plans, saw a 114 percent increase in calls for assistance with flight delays and cancellations in 2007 over 2006. While delays, cancellations and missed connections can throw any trip into chaos, AIG Travel Guard helps insureds find relief with the travel assistance services included in their comprehensive travel insurance plans.
“While many people consider travel insurance plans typically for trip cancellation or emergency medical coverage, increasingly it’s the lesser-known coverages, such as reimbursement for additional expenses due to travel delays and interruptions for covered reasons, or assistance in re-booking flights or hotel accommodations that are being tapped,” said Dan McGinnity, vice president of AIG Travel Guard.
Most retail travel insurance plans through AIG Travel Guard provide reimbursement for accommodations and expenses incurred due to travel delays for covered reasons; as well as LiveTravel, an around-the-clock emergency travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights and making hotel and rental car reservations. The travel assistance services provided by AIG Travel Assist can provide comfort to travelers, knowing that help is just a phone call away in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. Comprehensive travel insurance and assistance services plans available through AIG Travel Guard can be purchased online at http://www.travelguard.com/, through AIG Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center (800-826-1300), or from one of the more than 12,000 travel agencies who offer Travel Guard plans.
AIG Travel Guard is one of America’s leading providers of travel insurance plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through AIG Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.
Travel insurance through AIG Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most AIG Travel Guard plans also include 24-hour travel emergency service** for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more-
AIG Travel Guard is a wholly owned subsidiary of AIG Travel, Inc., a member company of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). American International Group, Inc. (AIG), a world leader in insurance and financial services, is the leading international insurance organization with operations in more than 130 countries and jurisdictions. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional and individual customers through the most extensive worldwide property-casualty and life insurance networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of retirement services, financial services and asset management around the world. AIG’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, as well as the stock exchanges in Ireland and Tokyo.
The travel Insurance plans offered through AIG Travel Guard are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa, a subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. with its principal place of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. All coverages may not available in all states.
* (Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Air Travel Consumer Report,
February 2008)
** Non insurance services are provided by AIG Travel Assist.Contact: Dan McGinnity Brian Major/Erin McKeon
dan.mcginnity@aig.com bmajor@mmgmardiks.com
AIG Travel Guard MMG Mardiks
800-826-7791, Ext. 1485 646-442-6764/6767
emckeon@mmgmardiks.com
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:
Source: AIG Travel Guard
