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Complaints about travel

If you have a complaint about travel by air, land, or sea, find out where to share your complaint to get the problem resolved.

Complaints about an airline or TSA

The kind of complaint you have about an airline or an airport experience with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) determines where to go with your complaint.

• Airline service or discrimination - First, attempt to resolve your complaint with the airline. If the airline does not fix the problem, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) . 
• Airline safety - Contact the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hotline .
• Airline security - Contact the TSA through their security issue web form.
• Airport experience with TSA - Contact the TSA through their complaint web form.

Learn about your consumer rights as an air traveler and how to avoid problems.

Vacation rental scams

Vacation rental scammers may try to take your money by offering a vacation property that does not exist or that they do not have the right to rent to you.

Learn from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) about vacation rental scams , including:

• How they work
• How to avoid them

If you have encountered a vacation rental scam, report it to:

• The website where you saw the listing
• The credit card or other service you used if you paid the scammer
• Your local law enforcement

Complaints about a hotel or motel 

• Begin by sharing your complaint with the front desk, manager, or customer service line.
• If you feel your issue was not resolved, contact the regional manager or another senior executive if the hotel or motel is part of a chain.
• Depending on the type of complaint, if it is not resolved, you may also contact the local health department or the state consumer protection office .

Complaints about travel agents and travel agencies

Begin by complaining to a local travel agency’s manager. If you are using an online booking service, complain to their customer service department. If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact:

• The state consumer protection office where you live or where the travel company is located
• Your local Better Business Bureau

Complaints about cruises

• If you have a complaint while you are on a cruise, contact the ship’s guest services office.
• To complain before or after a cruise, contact the cruise line’s customer service department.

If the problem is not resolved, contact the Federal Maritime Commission by email at [email protected] or download, fill out, and mail or fax their cruise dispute services request form .

Car rental complaints

If you have a complaint about a rental vehicle, try contacting the rental agency’s customer service department first. If you cannot get your complaint resolved with the rental agency, contact:

• Your state consumer protection office
• The Federal Trade Commission

LAST UPDATED: December 7, 2023

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How to Get a Refund from or Complain to Any Travel Company: Which Government Agency Oversees What

By William J. McGee

February 27, 2024

Whether it’s a bankrupt cruise line, a canceled flight, a missing car rental reservation, or a hotel “walking” you due to overbookings, there are times when you need to complain to a higher authority.

But just who are those authorities in the U.S. travel industry? Well… it’s complicated.

The most important thing to do is always book travel with a credit card (rather than check, cash, or money transfer). In the case of a cancellation or shutdown, paying with a credit card gives you the right to invoke The Fair Credit Billing Act , overseen by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). It ensures you are entitled to credit refunds for products that “weren’t delivered as agreed,” no matter where the company that charged you is based. 

Which government agency oversees travel companies?

Complaints about cruise lines

Recourse can be challenging when you’re dealing with cruises, since nearly all the largest lines are flagged and headquartered outside the United States. The February 2024 bankruptcy of American Queen Voyages (AQV) was a rarity in that it was an American company, and information on its shutdown—including details about filing for refunds—can be found on AQV’s site . 

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) weighed in on AQV’s bankruptcy, suggesting consumers file claims with their card issuers. 

As for complaints against the vast majority of cruise lines embarking from U.S. ports, the FMC states: “There is no federal government agency that regulates cruise customer service issues (e.g., itinerary changes, passenger cancellations, cabin concerns, etc.). Moreover, the Commission has limited jurisdiction over cruise lines…in the U.S.”

So you can see why it's so important to pay for cruises with a credit card, because that leaves passengers with recourse from their own credit card issuer.

FMC’s site offers advice on how to pursue complaints .

In addition, the U.S. State Department offers advice for U.S. citizens traveling on cruise ships in international waters.

Complaints about airlines

After 20-plus years as an airline passenger advocate, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard disgruntled flyers threaten to sue their carrier. 

Good luck with that. I wrote here about the failures of airline deregulation , and one of those failures is a legal loophole known as federal preemption . Simply put, it means that state legislatures, state attorneys general, and even state courts have virtually no authority over airlines, so your rights are greatly curtailed.

However, even loopholes have loopholes. You can still file suit against domestic airlines in small claims court. The dollar limits vary by state (free legal advice website Nolo maintains a list of every state's maximum dollar amount ) and range from $2,500 (Kentucky) to $25,000 (Delaware and Tennessee). 

Regardless of where you live, as long as your flight started or ended on land controlled by the United States, you can also file complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation online, by phone, or by mail. DOT processes complaints for consumer, disability, and discrimination issues. 

On the same page , the DOT also provides links for filing safety complaints via the Federal Aviation Administration and security complaints via the Transportation Security Administration.  

Complaints about car rentals

The FTC offers advice on renting a car, as well as tips on charges, fees, and coverage options. Consumers who encounter problems with rental firms can file complaints with the FTC’s office that processes reports on “ fraud, scams, and bad business practices .”

Additionally, filing a rental complaint with a state attorney general can be very effective. A good place to start is National Association of Attorneys General, which has a map, including contact information for where to start in every state.

In fact, some states, such as New York, offer detailed advice and details  of their own on consumer protections.

Complaints about hotels and vacation rentals

The advice for addressing problems and complaints related to accommodations is similar to troubleshooting car rental issues.

USA.gov has its own list of whom to engage for complaints about travel, and it also recommends contacting state consumer protection offices ( it even tells you whom to write ) and the FTC.

The FTC also offers specific advice on vacation rental scams , which are now widespread.

Getting help for general problems

For bankruptcy filings

When U.S.-based companies file bankruptcy, either as Chapter 11 reorganizations or Chapter 7 liquidations, consumers have rights to claims . But you may wind up in line behind many other creditors.

You can keep abreast of developments if the travel company maintains a website. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to file claims through the court.

But what happens if your foreign airline or travel supplier (one that isn’t based in the United States) goes bankrupt? Obviously, laws vary by nation, as the DOT states : “Other countries may have bankruptcy laws that apply to foreign carriers and foreign ticket agents.”  

As for the U.S. State Department, the agency details what it can and cannot do for you in a crisis .

Unfortunately, in many cases Americans are exempt from foreign protections for shutdowns, such as in the U.K. and European Union. 

Not surprisingly, travel insurance companies advise you to purchase policies as added protection in such cases. If you do buy travel insurance, it’s wise to buy it from a third party and not from the company that sold you the travel product to begin with. Here's a list of reputable insurance providers , including a few marketplace websites where multiple insurers vie to sell you policies in one place.

For complaints that don’t involve legal filings

While it is not a government agency, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) may still assist you in resolving disputes and allows you to alert others about bad corporate behavior. Companies don’t like it when they’re given a bad rating by the BBB, so they may be willing so work with you to avoid it. Ratings cover a broad variety of travel companies and are sorted by the location of the business.

Remember that it always makes sense to file detailed claims directly with your travel company either before or while you also contact government agencies. 

Also remember that some travel companies, particularly hotels and car renters, may be franchisees of larger brands, so make sure to send copies of your complaint to their corporate headquarters.

And keep good records! Along with using a credit card—it’s the first rule of paying for travel products—this can be crucial to getting your money back. Your claims and complaints will have much more power if you include dates, times, names, and other pertinent details, such as flight numbers, room numbers, berths, vehicle descriptions, and so on. Photographs may help, too.

William J. McGee is the Senior Fellow for Aviation & Travel at American Economic Liberties Project. An FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher, he spent seven years in airline flight operations management and was Editor-in-Chief of Consumer Reports Travel Letter . He is the author of Attention All Passengers and teaches at Vaughn College of Aeronautics. There is more at www.economicliberties.us/william-mcgee/ .

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Understanding Travel Agent Liability

(This may not be the same place you live)

  Are Travel Agencies Subject to Specific Laws?

Yes, travel agencies and travel agents are subject to specific laws. A travel agency is a business that makes arrangements for individuals who are traveling, including booking airline tickets and hotel rooms.

Travel agencies and their agents are subject to travel law. Travel law regulates the travel industry. Travel law includes:

• Federal laws;
• State laws;
• Common law; and
• International laws.

Each state has consumer disclosure and fraud statutes as well as refund policy requirements for businesses that arrange and/or sell travel services. Some states have created specific laws for regulation, registration, and licensing for those who sell travel. The majority of states do not require travel agents to obtain a license. However, California and Florida require travel agents to register with the applicable state agency.

What are the Responsibilities of Travel Agents?

What are the legal duties and obligations of travel agents, what is travel insurance, is trip insurance required, can my travel agent be liable for problems i encounter on my trip, do travel agents need insurance, do i need a lawyer if i have a claim against my travel agent.

Travel agents have many responsibilities. A travel agent definition is someone who sells and arranges transportation, accommodations, tours, and/or trips for travelers. They are fiduciaries , or representatives, of their customers. They are responsible for general duties in arranging travel plans. A travel agent should:

• Make and confirm reservations, including itinerary changes and delivery of tickets;
• Disclose the identity of tour operator and/or the supplier responsible for the services;
• Vouch for the reliability of the supplier and/or provide a warranty for services;
• Investigate the availability of travel services, such as cancelled flights and/or overbooked hotels;
• Convey needed information and provide needed travel documentation;
• Provide information on health and safety hazards;
• Advise on the availability of travel insurance ; and
• Inform customers of any restrictions on transportation tickets.

According to the state courts, travel agents have a higher standard of care because they have a special relationship with their customers. This includes special duties and obligations owed to their customers. Travel agents duties and obligations include:

• A duty to warn the customer;
• A duty to investigate and disclose;
• A duty to inform;
• A duty to make reservations; and
• A duty to confirm reservations.

The duty to warn the customer includes a duty to reveal any negative information they have regarding the destination of the traveler. An example of this is if the traveler is going to a high crime area.

The duty to investigate and disclose includes a duty to investigate travel plans and be knowledgeable about the area to which the traveler is going. This includes knowing if there are certain conditions that would affect the consumers travel plans, such as a community event that may cause travel interference or delays.

The travel agent’s duty to inform means the agent has a duty to inform their clients about important travel information. They must inform clients about things such as:

• Limitations on ticket changes;
• Documents needed to travel;
• Whether certain countries have requirements; and
• The availability of travel insurance.

The travel agent has a duty to make reservations at the request of the customer. The travel agent also has a duty to confirm those reservations and make sure they are ready for the customer.

Travel insurance reimburses a traveler for costs related to events that may occur during their trip. It is designed to cover those who purchase coverage for financial implications of issues that may arise during their trip. It may include costs incurred prior to travel, such as non-refundable tickets or hotel stays and/or events that occur during a trip, including travel interruptions and medical expenses.

Travel insurance usually covers 5 main categories, including:

• Trip cancellations;
• Travel medical coverage;
• Major medical coverage;
• Emergency medical evacuation; and/or
• Accidental death/flight accident.

Travel insurance is an optional coverage that the traveler can purchase when they book their trip. Should they wish, a lawyer can review the terms and conditions of any travel insurance.

As noted above, trip or travel insurance is an optional coverage a traveler may purchase prior to taking a trip. In most cases, an individual’s homeowner’s insurance and/or health insurance policies will cover any medical costs or lost property, while at home or traveling. An individual’s life insurance policy will usually cover the individual and their family members while traveling. Additionally, airlines must reimburse a passenger if they lose their baggage.

A traveler can also purchase trip cancellation or trip interruption insurance, which will cover any losses that are not covered by other insurance. This can be helpful to protect the cost of the trip, especially if it must be cut short due to unforeseen circumstances.

Travel can be extremely expensive, especially abroad. Trip insurance may assist with costs of travel delay and/or lost or damaged luggage if the airline fails to fully compensate the traveler. It may also protect a traveler from costly medical bills in the event they are injured or become ill during their trip. Trip insurance may cover extreme unforeseen circumstances such as emergency medical evacuation, accidental death and/or flight accidents.

There are times when travel agents may be liable for problems a customer encounters. Travel agents may be liable to their customers for:

• Violations of general duties;
• Fraudulent misrepresentations; and/or
• Violations of applicable state regulations.

Some common issues travelers may encounter include:

• A cancellation;
• Discrimination;
• Lost, stolen and/or damaged baggage;
• A violation of consumer protection laws; and/or
• A deceptive port charge.

Sometimes, when an individual books a vacation, they may have to sign a travel agency contract. These contracts are signed at the time the traveler books their trip. They may include:

• Baggage fees;
• Travel agent obligations;
• Cancellations;
• Payment terms;
• Additional fees;
• Travel documents;
• Confirmations;
• Governing laws; and/or
• Any other necessary clauses.

Yes, similar to other commercial businesses, travel agents benefit from obtaining business insurance to protect them from liability. Travel agent or travel agency insurance often comes in 2 forms: professional liability insurance and general liability insurance.

Travel agent liability insurance, or professional liability insurance, protects a travel agent for any errors that occur in business activities. It also assists when the travel agent is sued by a customer for not providing the service that the customer was due to receive per their contract.

General liability insurance protects travel agents and travel agencies in their officers where they meet with clients. This is generally for protection in case a claim related to an injury, such as a slip and fall accident, occurs.

Yes, travel laws can be complex and vary by jurisdiction. An experienced business lawyer will be able to assist you with any aspects of travel law. Every state has specific regulations regarding travel sellers. Travel law includes domestic and international laws. For these reasons, it is important to obtain the services of a lawyer to help navigate any claims.

A lawyer can assist with reviewing any contracts and/or documentation and determine if a claim exists. A lawyer can also represent you during any court proceedings or alternative dispute resolution processes, if necessary. A lawyer can also assist you with any issues that arise from travel insurance.

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Original Author

Jennifer joined LegalMatch in 2020 as a Legal Writer. She holds a J.D. from Cumberland School of Law and has been a member of the Alabama State Bar since 2012. She is a certified mediator and guardian ad litem. She holds a B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Spanish, both from Auburn University. Jennifer’s favorite part of legal work is research and writing. Jennifer enjoyed being a Law Clerk for a distinguished Circuit Judge in Alabama. She is a stay-at-home mom and homeschool teacher of three children. She enjoys reading and long evening walks with her husband. Read More

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Air Travel Service Complaint or Comment Form (Not Related to Airline Safety or Security Issues)

Please use this form to file a complaint or comment about service you received or requested from an airline or ticket agent that does not relate to airline safety or security . This may include, but is not limited to, topics such as flight delays and cancellations, overbooking, disability, tarmac delays, baggage, discrimination, refunds, ticketing practices, family seating, frequent flyer programs, charter flights, privacy and air ambulance service.

The information that you provide in your complaint or comment form will be provided to the appropriate airline or ticket agent. More detailed information about DOT's complaint handling process, and other helpful information for air travelers is available here .

Read DOT's Airline Consumer Privacy Act Statement (5 U.S.C. § 552a) .

Items marked with a * are required.

Check the box below if your complaint involves discrimination based on disability (mobility assistance, travel with a service animal, etc.), race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), or ancestry .

Incidents of Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct is a broad term. It encompasses any behavior or attempted behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without consent or with someone incapable of consent, or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. Sexual misconduct also includes physical or verbal advances or harassment of a sexual nature, or public indecent exposure.

If your complaint relates to or includes allegations of sexual misconduct please contact the FBI . Generally, a crime committed aboard an aircraft falls within the jurisdiction of the FBI. Separate from the FBI, the FAA also has the authority under 49 U.S.C. § 46318 to investigate incidents of sexual assault or threats of sexual assault – report such incidents to FAA .

DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection does not have the authority to conduct criminal investigations.

Safety and Security Complaints

Please note that aviation safety and security complaints are not handled by DOT’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection.

Safety Complaints

• If you have a concern about airline safety (airline and airplane safety, emergency exit seating, low-flying aircraft, pilot licensing and related issues), please visit the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) website to report a safety-related issue .

Security Complaints

• If you have a concern about aviation security (passenger screening, the “no-fly” list, the baggage screening process, and related issues), please visit the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website to report a security-related issue .

Note - Please only hit Submit once as our system sometimes takes a few moments to process your complaint.

A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2105-0568. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 15 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, gathering the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are voluntary, and will be provided confidentiality to the extent allowed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to: Aviation Consumer Protection Division, Office of the Secretary, W96-473, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, D.C. 20590.

If you use the web complaint form above, we would welcome any comments that you may have about that process. Please email any such comments to [email protected] . (That address does not accept complaints about air service, only comments about the web complaint form process.)

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Travel Waivers: Protect Your Travel Agency

There are a lot of things you learn when you’re a travel agent. One of the most common lessons is that having clients sign a travel waiver form is essential to protect yourself, your clients, and your agency. And sadly, that’s a lesson often learned the hard way. No matter how great a travel agent you are, misunderstandings happen. Accidents happen. Things happen. 😬

How will a waiver protect you? Take it from travel attorney Chun T. Wright:

A waiver can help:

• Educate travelers and participants about the risks of travel (and screen out travelers who are not suited to the trip), and
• Protect you and your business from legal claims that range from minor mishaps (e.g. small injuries) to catastrophic events (e.g., death).

With Wright's expertise, we're going to walk you through everything you need to know about travel waivers. And we're even going to give you a free travel waiver you can add to your website that just needs to be customized to your agency. That's right! We've done all the hard work for you. You just need to put in your travel agency name and logo, and it's ready to go!

Having clients sign a travel waiver form is essential to protect yourself, your clients, and your agency

Below is a list of items to consider including in your travel waiver(s). If you already know what you want, use the links below to fast-forward to the types of waiver verbiage you're looking for!

⭐️ HAR ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS: ⭐️

8 waiver terms & disclaimers to protect your agency, 5 items to consider for your liability waiver.

• Pre-Booking Disclaimers
• 5 Components to Travel Agency Waviers
• [FREE DOWNLOAD] Trip Confirmation Form
• Create A Personalized Online Waive for Your Agency
• Working with a Travel Attorney to Customize Your Waivers & Disclaimers

Below is a list of terms and disclaimers that you could include either in one of your waivers or in your terms and conditions. The best way to figure out what works best for your agency is to consult with a travel attorney . Here's what to consider!

1. Pre-Booking Disclaimers:

Prices and costs can change and your client needs to understand that possibility! A pre-booking disclaimer will help.

2. Waiver to Verify Trips Details are Correct :

This section discusses which trip details your clients need to sign off on (even though you went over your client's itinerary with a fine-tooth comb).

3. Waiver to Verify Client has Documents they Need:

How incredibly sad would it be if your clients sailed into port of a cruise destination only to realize they didn't have the proper visa to disembark? According to Wright, "This waiver will ensure the clients know that it is their responsibility to ensure that they have the proper documents (passports, visas) and vaccinations and that they meet all other entry requirements."

4. Waiver to Verify You Offered Travel Insurance :

It's your client's prerogative if they decline travel insurance, but it's your prerogative to make sure they verify that

• You offered travel insurance in the first place or encouraged them to purchase it, and
• Whether they secured travel insurance or not.

5 . HAR's Free Trip Confirmation Form:

A free client-facing form making sure you've got your bases covered. Copy it over to your site with a click of the mouse!

6 . DIY Waivers:

Here's a list of programs you can use to create free waivers for your agency.

7. Waiver to acknowledge that you charge fees:

If you charge fees, mentioning it in your waiver or disclaimer will save any misunderstandings between you and your client. Wright adds that "If a portion of the trip cost is for your fees, say so. Otherwise, this could complicate refund claims."

8. Liability Waiver that limits your risks

The next one is so important that it necessitates its own section with a legal take from Wright.

Below, Wright breaks down the importance of a liability waiver and what it may include.

1. A list of the representative inherent risks and any special risks of a trip and activities that are included. Risks of travel may include venturing into remote areas with lack of access to medical facilities, having to be quarantined, getting a virus or illness, encountering roads and other infrastructure that may not be to the same standards as the traveler's home country, and so on.

2. A responsibility statement that you are not responsible for the actions/inactions of your suppliers.

3. A release clause in which the participant or travelers expressly releases your business from claims for damages related to the risks of their trip and/or activities. This clause often begins with this or similar language: "I, the traveler RELEASE, DISCHARGE, COVENANT NOT TO SUE AND HOLD HARMLESS Business A and its [list of all who are released]." Be sure to categorically identify all individuals and entities that should be included in the release, e.g., owners, officers, employees, agents, representatives, related entities, independent contracts/sales representatives, volunteers, successors and assigns. "Successors and assigns" are often missing in liability waivers but if you change your business entity or sell your business, a liability release that omits "successors and assigns" may not cover the new entity or successor business. This clause should stand out; use bolded language, larger type and/or a different font to ensure that the traveler/participant's attention is drawn to it.

4. An express voluntary assumption of the risk clause that states that the traveler understands and voluntarily assumes the risks, both known and unknown, associated with the trip or activity.

5. A forum selection, venue, and choice of law provision. This provision sets out where disputes will be brought (your location will typically be preferred), what forum (e.g., state or federal court or arbitration), and what law will govern.

Pre-Booking Disclaimers—Quoted Prices May Change!

We’ll start from the beginning: It’s a best practice to state on your quote that you can’t guarantee your pricing and costs (unless of course, you have locked in rates).

While I can’t think of why (or how) someone would sue you for sending a quote and then having that quote change, I think it's important to mention it to avoid having an angry client. "And while they might not sue you," warns Wright, "they could report you to your local consumer protection agency which will in turn ask you to explain why your actions were not deceptive."

If you’re giving prices over the phone, best practice is to send a follow-up email with the pricing and disclaimer. Set the relationship up for success by making sure you’re all on the same page.

Mention that prices are subject to change in the email body or add something similar to below in your email signature:

**** Please Note: All prices are subject to change and are based on availability. ****

The email signature is especially nice because you won’t ever forget to mention it; it’s already written for you every time! 1

This is a side note, but also worth mentioning. Seller of Travel regulations in certain states dictates in certain situations that the SOT number must be listed on certain items (quotes, marketing materials, etc.). Seller of Travel Laws can be a real doozie, so make sure you read up on Seller of Travel Requirements here .

5 Components to Travel Agency Waivers

You’ve got them booked, congrats! Now is where you need to be extra careful to make sure you’ve given the client all necessary information and to leave a paper trail showing you did so. This is where the rubber hits the road folks. Get your racing gear on!

Once you've made that booking, let's go over the information that needs to be double/triple/quadruple checked to make sure it's accurate and that you've disclosed everything to your client.

1. Correct names/dates/times/flights/car/hotels

Whoops. Stephanie with a ‘y’ when it was an 'ie'. Or you booked them on the wrong dates. These are all things that can cause headaches later on if you haven't stressed to your client the importance of looking over their itinerary to make sure everything looks okay.

In your travel waiver, let clients know they are responsible for looking over their itinerary and making sure everything is correct.

Sample verification reminder from a real travel agency:

Please check the attached information upon receipt and verify all information is correct. [YOUR AGENCY NAME] will not be responsible for omissions or errors if not brought to my attention immediately. Payment must be received by the due date to avoid vendor cancellation.

2. Documentation

It goes beyond checking the itinerary to make sure everything is correct. Visas; passports; taking kids out of the country without both parents; documents for getting married outside the US. Knowing this stuff and communicating it to your client is part of your job as a travel agent.

If you're not exactly sure what your responsibilities are to your clients, you might find it helpful to read this article by travel attorney Mark Pestronk discussing  your duties to clients . Canadian agents may find this article helpful,  TICO regulations  by Pestronk.

Sample documentation waiver from a real travel agency:

"DOCUMENTATION: U.S. citizens traveling to any destination outside of the United States will be required to present a valid U.S. passport. Passports must be valid for 6 months past the return date. Some countries require a visa for transit or entry. Passengers are responsible to ensure that they have all the proper documents for entry. All names on documents must match the legal name on your photo I.D., and travel document information must match tickets. Please check the State Department website at https://travel.state.gov for further information. Immunizations may also be required. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in denied boarding, denied entry, and/or government-imposed fines. If you are a citizen of another country, there may be additional requirements. Check with the nearest consulate or embassy of the destination you are traveling to and find out the entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens."

3. Travel insurance was offered

Veterans agents, you know this, but newbies, make sure you offer travel insurance to every. single. client.

At my previous host agency, I worked with agencies that hadn’t offered travel insurance (or didn’t have documentation proving they had) and the unhappy clients were suing the agent to get their money back. Best case scenario, Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance covers the legal fees to fight the lawsuit.

Worst case scenario? You end up with a very hefty legal bill because you didn't have documentation that you offered travel insurance to your client.

You are the travel expert; that’s your value. Part of being the expert is letting clients know travel insurance exists and the risks involved if they decline insurance.

Sample travel insurance waiver from a real travel agency:

"I assume and understand that there is a risk involved with my travel and my travel activities and/or excursions. I acknowledge that I was informed about my options but I declined the insurance."

Even better yet, email a quote through the insurance company's website so you have an electronic paper trail insurance was offered. Since they usually have an option to send reminder emails, it increases not only your paper trail but also the likelihood they'll purchase insurance.

And here's some words of advice from travel insurance companies that want to protect you against travel insurance licensing problems : When communicating (verbal or written) with clients,  offer/recommend  travel insurance; do not  sell  travel insurance.

Repeat after me: I am a travel expert, not an insurance expert. 

4. Fee DISCLOSUREs

Next up? Fees!

Making sure your clients understand what fees are involved in working with you is key to the client having a positive experience. Whether they're your fees or a supplier's fee, ensure your client understands when those fees kick in and what the amount is.

Cancellation and change fees may vary based on when they cancel and other factors, so listing specific amounts may not be a possibility. But, you should alert the traveler to the possibility of fees for changes or cancellations to the booking.

If it’s a group, you may already have the specific fees in the contract. Even then, it’s important to have a waiver for each booking since the person who signed the contract may not have shared that information with the group.

Sample fee disclosure from a real travel agency:

5. Legal Jargon (AKA: Blanket statement)

Our last component to your travel wavier? This one is the blanket statement.

Sample travel waiver from a real travel agency:

"[YOUR AGENCY] offers retail travel services to customers, which are provided by separate and independent vendors of travel services. [YOUR AGENCY] does not operate, control, or otherwise provide the services of the independent travel vendors. Hence, customer agrees that [YOUR AGENCY] acts only as agent for the client in acquiring transportation, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, and other privileges, or services for the clients’ benefit, and on the express condition that [YOUR AGENCY] shall not be responsible for any loss, accident, injury, delay, defect, omission or irregularity which may occur or be occasioned, whether by reason of any act, negligence or default of any company or person engaged in or responsible for carrying out any of the arrangements, or otherwise in connection there with."

HAR's Free Travel Waiver: Trip Details Confirmation Form

That wasn't so bad was it? :) But we can do even better. Let's whip a travel waiver form for you right now!

The icing on the cupcake is that we've already made a Trip Details Confirmation Form for you! It makes it easy for clients to verify crucial details of their upcoming trip and goes over all the travel waiver points we just discussed.

• Travelers' legal names spelt correctly? ✔️
• Dates of travel and departure/arrival city correct? ✔️
• Passport good for 6 months after they return home? ✔️
• Travel insurance was offered? ✔️
• Disclosed to clients visa/vaccination requirements? ✔️
• Made sure your clients have read and signed that they understood all of this? ✔️

You can brand our trip confirmation details form to your agency and share it with your clients in a jiffy! The form includes a signature field for your clients to verify that all the above information is accurate so you can have it on file! Check it out, below!

There's more where that came from, too. We have a few other Free Travel Agent Forms  and a couple of tutorials about customizing them to reflect your unique brand!

Where to Create Your Online Travel Waiver Form

Okay, I hope this isn't the case anymore, but if you are sending out paper travel waiver forms for your clients to sign, let's stop that. Having clients sign paper forms is sooooooo 2012. ;)

Our free travel waiver form from the previous section shows you how handy and professional an online waiver can be. But . . . if you're more of a DIY-er and want to build your travel waiver from the ground up, no problem! (But ours is pretty darn good so make sure to check it out.)

Here's our recommendation for online form creators:

• Jotform - My personal fav and the one we use at Host Agency Reviews. It's the one I highly recommend because it is a zillion times more powerful than any other form builder out there. And it does everything you'll need (including getting client signatures)... for free!
• Cost: Free Plan (downside? Very little. The free plan comes with everything the paid plans offer as well as unlimited fields. It even includes e-signatures and payment integrations for clients!) The next plan up is the Bronze Plan: $24/month (annual plan). We used JotForm to create all of our form templates for our Free Travel Agent Forms article.
• Wufoo - Another option out there. I did use Wufoo but changed over to JotForm because of its features and lower price point. As of July 2020, Wufoo doesn't have an electronic signature option without you having to use a third party.
• Cost: Free (downside? No e-signature option so it's not an option for forms where you need the client's signature). Ad Hoc Plan: $14.95/mo ($129/yr) gives you more forms and fields, but still no e-signature.

We have used Cognito Forms in the past (before we discovered Jotform), but had a pretty terrible experience with their customer service and no longer recommend them.

If you know of any other options or have thoughts on the above, I'd love to hear them in the comments below!

Working with a Travel Attorney to Customize Waivers and Disclaimers for Your Agency

Now, we spoke with multiple travel agencies on how they protect themselves with travel waivers. There is A TON of value in the cumulative knowledge from agencies that have already ‘been there, done that.’ In the end, though, they're travel advisors and not travel attorneys.

The needs of an adventure-focused travel advisor will not be the same as those who focus on student group travel. Who can help you finetune your travel waivers and disclaimers? A travel attorney. So just to be safe, I’d recommend getting a travel attorney to look at your final waiver .

According to Wright "Travel attorneys will customize the waiver to your locale, ensure that it is complete, and advise you on issues that are important that you may not have thought about (e.g., “forum selection,” “venue, and “choice of law”). An experienced travel attorney will be an invaluable part of your advisory team. They can help you avoid issues and respond to any problems that do come up."

The Icing on the Cake: 40+ Travel Checklist and Tips

Julie, the owner of an agency specializing in Europe, shared the amazing "Overseas Travel Checklist and Tips" form she sends to clients. It’s an amazing source of information and exactly how you can show your value as a travel agent, by giving them a little extra.

The best part? You create it one time and clients continue to be thankful for the extra resources you're providing to them for all eternity! Win-win.

And heck, we like lots of icing on our cake! So here's some more:

Sending waivers is helpful, but a signature of acknowledgement is your best defense.

Travel attorney Jonathan Howe says that simply sending the waivers is helpful if you ever need to defend yourself, but a signature of acknowledgment is really your best defense. He also recommended sending an acknowledgment with a copy of the waiver. It doesn’t need to be complex, just a “Thank you we received your waiver, a copy of which is attached”.

One of the advantages of signing up for an online form maker like JotForm is that they can send auto-emails to you and the client, acknowledging you've received the form.

And you know, we just can't help ourselves. Here are more awesome legal resources for your travel biz:

• Creating online waivers with electronic signatures is a great way to actually get your clients to fill out your waivers. Here's how to do that plus loads of other free travel agent forms (for free).
• If you want more formal advice, we have a list of travel industry lawyers , which includes free legal documents for agencies.
• Lastly, HAR's resources page is great for finding our most popular articles and other travel agents' resources-- check it out!  
• Check out Travel Lawyer Mark Pestronk's free legal document templates here
• Here's a fantastic guide by Managed Insurance Services on limiting your agency's liability . This baby is written in plain English. *high five* (Thanks to Joe Matteis for sharing)

Wow. Thank You!

A huge and humbled thank you to Chun T. Wright who offered her legal expertise in the latest update of this article. We also offer major trophies to the advisors who let us take a peek behind the curtain for their excellent waivers. Jodie Swartz Jones, Nyla Bridges, and Julie Lay Conway shared their various waivers, disclaimers, and checklists for this article.

How amazing is it that agents shared their travel waivers to help other agencies be better protected? If you want to give them a shout-out, if we missed something important in this article, or if you want to pass along the kindness and share your travel waiver, let us know in the comments below!

If you still have questions, drop us a line , join the conversation in the comments below, or connect with me on  Facebook and  Twitter .

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2013 and was completely updated and revamped on publish date listed. Enjoy!

•  Speaking of covering yourself, I need an obligatory disclaimer here! I am not an attorney.  I aggregated this info from first-hand experience and other industry sources to create a resource that would help agents gain base knowledge. It does not guarantee protection against lawsuits from clients. All info is accurate to my knowledge but the information given should be fact-checked and never be considered legal advice. ↩

About the Author

Steph grew up in the travel industry. She worked with thousands of agents in her role as a former host agency director before leaving in 2012 to start HAR. She's insatiably curious, loves her pups Fennec and Orion, and -- in case you haven't noticed -- is pretty quirky and free-spirited.

If you’re looking for Steph, she leaves a trace where ever she goes! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest as 'iamstephly'. 🙂 She doesn't do TikTok as no one would ever see her again.

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Home » All articles » Legal Issues in the Travel Industry: Liability, Regulation, and Consumer Rights

Legal Issues in the Travel Industry: Liability, Regulation, and Consumer Rights

Welcome to our blog post exploring the legal landscape of the travel industry! As globetrotters and adventurers, it’s important to be aware of the potential legal issues that may arise during our travels. From liability concerns to industry regulations and consumer rights, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal aspects that impact our experiences as travelers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a first-time explorer, join us as we delve into the complexities of the travel industry and gain valuable insights into how to navigate its legal challenges.

Table of Contents

Liability Issues in the Travel Industry related to Legal Issues in the Travel Industry: Liability, Regulation, and Consumer Rights

The ever-present liability puzzle.

In today’s dynamic travel industry, where boundaries are constantly shifting, liability issues have emerged as a primary concern for both service providers and travelers. The interplay between legal frameworks, regulations, and consumer rights presents a complex puzzle for industry stakeholders to navigate. This article aims to unravel the enigma surrounding liability in the travel sector, shedding light on its various dimensions.

Liability Frameworks: The Foundation of Accountability

Liability in the travel industry is primarily governed by a diverse range of legal frameworks, including international conventions, national legislation, and contractual agreements. These frameworks aim to establish responsibility, determine fault, and provide remedies in cases of harm or misconduct.

International Conventions: A Global Safety Net

International conventions, such as the Montreal Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, play a pivotal role in the travel landscape. They provide a unified liability framework for airlines and passengers, ensuring clarity and consistency in cases of accidents, delays, or damages.

National Legislation: A Patchwork of Protections

At the national level, countries implement their own laws and regulations to address liability concerns in the travel industry. These laws cover various aspects, including hotel safety, tour operator responsibilities, and transport accidents. Travelers must familiarize themselves with the specific legislation of their destination to understand their rights and potential recourse.

Regulation: Balancing Safety and Industry Interests

Regulatory bodies, both at the national and international levels, play a crucial role in upholding safety standards, monitoring compliance, and resolving disputes. Their primary objective is to strike a delicate balance between consumer protection and the sustainability of the travel industry.

Enhancing Safety: A Fundamental Imperative

Regulations pertaining to liability often revolve around ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers. Adequate safety measures, risk management protocols, and quality assurances are critical components of this regulatory landscape. Strict compliance with these regulations is essential not only for traveler protection but also for the long-term viability of the industry.

Consumer Rights: Empowering the Traveler

Consumer rights legislation forms an integral part of the regulatory framework surrounding liability in the travel sector. These rights cover areas such as fair pricing, transparency of terms and conditions, and access to accurate information. Travelers need to be aware of their rights and the mechanisms available for recourse in case of unsatisfactory experiences.

As the travel industry continues to evolve and grow, liability issues remain a constant challenge. Industry stakeholders must navigate through the intricate web of legal frameworks, regulations, and consumer rights to ensure a fair and safe travel experience for all. By understanding the foundations of liability, providers and travelers can work together towards a responsible and accountable travel industry.

Regulation of the Travel Industry: Legal Issues Explored

Liability in the travel industry.

In the world of travel, understanding liability is paramount for both service providers and consumers. A seamless experience is the common goal, but accidents and mishaps are not unheard of. So, who is responsible when things go awry?

1. Service Providers:

Travel agencies, airlines, and accommodation providers all have a legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers. They must deliver on their promises, ensuring that the services they offer are as described and meet industry standards. Failure to do so may result in liability for any damages incurred.

2. Consumers:

On the other hand, travelers also have a level of responsibility when it comes to their own safety. They must exercise reasonable care, follow guidelines, and act responsibly to avoid situations that could lead to harm. Ignoring established rules and regulations could diminish the liability of service providers.

Regulation in the Travel Industry

As with any industry, the travel industry requires regulation for smooth operations and to protect consumer rights. Regulatory bodies play a crucial role in monitoring and enforcing compliance to ensure a fair and safe environment for all parties involved.

1. Government Regulations:

Governments worldwide have specific regulations in place for the travel industry. These regulations encompass various areas, such as safety standards, visa requirements, and consumer protection. The aim is to prevent fraudulent practices, ensure fair competition, and protect travelers from exploitation.

2. International Agreements:

In addition to national regulations, international agreements between countries contribute to the regulation of the travel industry. These agreements address important topics like open skies policies, visa waivers, and mutual recognition of safety standards. They create a framework that promotes cooperation and facilitates travel between nations.

Consumer Rights in the Travel Industry

Consumer rights are a fundamental aspect of the legal framework governing the travel industry. Travelers are entitled to certain rights and protections to ensure a fair and satisfactory experience.

1. Right to Accurate Information:

Consumers have the right to receive accurate and truthful information about the services they are contracting. Travel providers must disclose all relevant details, including costs, itinerary changes, and any potential risks or limitations associated with the travel.

2. Right to Compensation:

In cases where a service provider fails to meet their obligations, consumers may be entitled to compensation. This can include reimbursement for expenses incurred due to service-related issues or even compensation for inconvenience caused.

3. Right to Safety:

The safety of travelers should always be a top priority. Service providers must take reasonable measures to ensure the well-being of their customers and address any safety concerns promptly.

In conclusion, the travel industry operates within a legal framework that regulates liability, sets industry standards, and protects consumer rights. Both service providers and consumers have roles to play in ensuring safety and the smooth functioning of the industry. By understanding and complying with these legal provisions, the travel experience can be made more secure and enjoyable for all.

The travel industry is a realm where consumers encounter various legal issues, including liability concerns, regulatory compliance, and the protection of their rights. It is imperative for both travelers and travel providers to understand these legal matters to ensure a safe and satisfactory experience.

Liability is a significant legal concern in the travel industry. Travel providers, such as airlines, hotels, and transportation companies, have a duty of care towards their customers. This means that they are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of their passengers throughout the travel process.

When a travel provider fails to fulfill their duty of care and a traveler suffers harm as a result, the provider may be held liable for any damages incurred. Examples of liability in the travel industry include accidents caused by negligent transportation operators, injuries due to unsafe hotel premises, and lost or damaged luggage.

The travel industry is subject to various regulations that aim to protect consumers’ rights and ensure fair business practices. Regulatory bodies, such as the Department of Transportation in the United States, enforce rules to hold travel providers accountable.

Regulations cover areas such as airline passenger rights, consumer protection laws, and fair travel advertising practices. These regulations help establish minimum standards for service quality, pricing transparency, and dispute resolution.

Consumer rights are a fundamental aspect of the legal framework in the travel industry. Travelers have the right to accurate and transparent information regarding their trip, including prices, services offered, and any restrictions or additional fees.

Furthermore, consumers have the right to expect services that meet reasonable expectations. This includes clean and safe accommodations, timely transportation, and appropriate customer service. If the travel provider fails to deliver the promised services or breaches these rights, consumers have legal recourse to seek compensation or resolution.

Consumer rights also encompass protection against unfair practices, such as deceptive advertising, hidden charges, or discriminatory treatment. Travel providers must adhere to these rights to maintain a trustworthy reputation and avoid potential legal consequences.

In conclusion, understanding the legal issues surrounding consumer rights, liability, and regulation in the travel industry is crucial for both travelers and travel providers. By knowing their rights and responsibilities, consumers can have a safer and more satisfying travel experience, while travel providers can ensure compliance with legal standards and maintain customer satisfaction.

4. Legal studies related to the travel industry

Introduction.

The travel industry, a thriving sector that provides individuals with the means to explore and experience new destinations, is bound by a complex web of legal regulations. These legal intricacies ensure that travelers’ rights are protected and companies are held accountable for their actions. In this article, we will delve into three key legal issues: liability, regulation, and consumer rights, and their implications for the travel industry.

Liability refers to the legal responsibility of travel companies for any harm caused to their customers. In the event of accidents or injuries during a trip, it is vital to determine who should be held accountable. Companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their customers by adhering to safety regulations, maintaining proper equipment, and providing adequate warnings.

Regulation plays an essential role in ensuring the fair and ethical operation of travel companies. Regulations cover various aspects, including licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and environmental protection. These regulations hold companies accountable and ensure that they operate within the boundaries of the law, providing travelers with a safe and secure experience.

Consumer rights are of paramount importance in the travel industry. Travelers have the right to accurate and transparent information regarding the services they are purchasing. For instance, companies must disclose any hidden fees or restrictions for cancellations before a customer makes a booking. In cases of flight delays or cancellations, travelers have the right to compensation and assistance.

In conclusion, legal issues in the travel industry revolve around liability, regulation, and consumer rights. Companies must ensure the safety of their customers and be held accountable for any harm caused. Regulation ensures fair and ethical practices are followed, protecting both travelers and the environment. Finally, consumer rights protect the interests of travelers, ensuring transparency and fair treatment. By understanding these legal aspects, travelers can empower themselves and make informed decisions when embarking on their journeys.

References:

• Travel Law: Cases, Materials, and Problems; by K. L. Campbell and P. L. McMahon (2016)
• Travel Law: Rights and Regulation; by A. Leggat (2019)

In conclusion, the travel industry is subject to various legal issues surrounding liability, regulation, and consumer rights. It is crucial for both travel companies and consumers to be aware of their rights and responsibilities to ensure a safe and fair travel experience. While liability and regulation create a framework for accountability, consumer rights play a vital role in protecting individuals from unfair practices. By staying informed, advocating for their rights, and working together, industry stakeholders can navigate these legal issues and contribute to a more transparent and secure travel industry for everyone involved.

Consumer Protection

A national hub of consumer protection information and resources for consumers from your state or territory attorney general

Whether you love a sunny beach, sightseeing around a historic town, or skiing down a snowy mountain, everyone enjoys a nice vacation. Unfortunately, scammers prey on consumers’ desire to get away from it all. Click below to find information on some common travel scams.

Travel Clubs

• These solicitations generally “invite” consumers to a conference where they can take advantage of an “amazing opportunity” and receive a free trip just for attending.
• When consumers attend such a conference, they often experience high pressure sales tactics.
• Often the “free trip” is a voucher that is difficult or impossible to redeem.
• Be skeptical of offers that claim they have won a contest that they did not enter.
• Be skeptical of solicitations that fail to disclose the name of the soliciting company.
• Research their right to cancel prior to going to a sales presentation.
• Be skeptical of companies that use generic names or work out of what appears to be a short-lease office space.
• Depending on the type of timeshare you purchase, you may own a portionof a vacation unit for the rest of your life, for a certain number of years specified in a purchase contract, or until you sell it.
• Your interest is legally considered real property.
• Timeshares entail lasting financial obligations; you should carefully study purchase documents and research properties before deciding to purchase a timeshare.
• Maintenance fees can rise at rates that equal or exceed inflation.
• You must pay fees and taxes, regardless of whether you use the unit.
• Some scammers offer to help dissatisfied timeshare owners ‘get out of their timeshare contract’ for a fee.
• The only way to lose ownership of a traditional timeshare is to sell it.
• If someone offers to help you sell your timeshare, ask about fees and timing: it is better to work with a company that takes its fee after the timeshare is sold.
• If you must pay a fee in advance for help selling your timeshare, ask about refund policies and get all promises in writing.

Travel Fees

• Whenever possible, book directly with the hotel instead of a third-party source.
• If you use third-party booking sites or travel agencies, do independent research to ensure that they are reputable.
• If you think you may have been charged unwarranted fees or otherwise been scammed, contact either your credit card company or bank right away.
• Contact the carrier or hotel directly and ask if they are aware of the offer.
• Hotels and carriers often know about scams that use their name or likeness without authorization.
• Consumer Topics

Federal Agencies

1850 M Street NW, 12th floor Washington, DC 20036

202-326-6000 [email protected]

• Staff Directory

NAAG helps the 56 state and territory attorneys general fulfill their responsibilities and assists in the delivery of high quality legal services.

This information is provided by NAAG and is not necessarily the view of each one of its 56 members.

Consumer Protection

At PTS, we provide full consumer protection so you and your consumers can travel with trust.

How Does PTS Offer Consumer Protection?

Air travel complaints

If you experienced a problem, you must first contact your airline to resolve it. If that does not work, you can make a complaint with us. The Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) processes complaints and settles disputes between travellers and airlines.

Make an air travel complaint

Issues we can help with

• Compensation for a flight delay, cancellation or tarmac delay
• Compensation and expenses for lost, delayed or damaged baggage
• Compensation for denied boarding (bumping)
• A refund of a ticket, part of a ticket, or a replacement ticket
• A refund of fees paid (baggage fees, seating fees, change fees, unaccompanied minor fees etc.)
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses (accommodation, transportation, food/drink)
• Other (refusal to transport, ticket issues, reservations, vouchers, credits, fares, loyalty programs, travelling with children)

Accessibility issues

• Persons with disabilities have a right to equal access to federal transportation services. We can help with complaints that are related to a person's disability and that relate to travel on the national transportation system
• Make an accessibility complaint

Issues we cannot help with

The CTA may be able to review complaints about the  air portion  of travel booked through a travel agency or as part of a tour package. 

Complaints about the  land portion  or  services  of travel booked through a travel agency or as part of a tour package (accommodation, transfers to and from airports, excursions, etc.) fall under provincial jurisdiction.

Please consult the  provincial or territorial government authority for consumers . Your travel agency or tour operator (including on-line reservations) must be registered with a provincial authority in Canada in order to help you.

For complaints about  customs ,  security screening ,  baggage inspection  or  airport security , visit the air transportation section of the Government of Canada  Consumer Hub .

For issues related to  airport facilities or services  (not related to accessibility), you can  contact the airport  directly.

They can help you with:

• Lost and found: items left in public areas in the airport terminal buildings
• Up-to-date flight information
• Terminal maps
• Food and shopping services
• Baggage storage
• Car rentals

For complaints about  airline customer service , you should  contact the airline  directly.

For complaints about  transportation safety  or  unsafe practices  on the plane, you can contact the  Transportation Safety Board of Canada .

For complaints related to  false advertising ,  pricing ,  mergers and acquisitions ; etc., contact the  Competition Bureau of Canada .

If you experience a  human rights issue  during air travel, such as discrimination on the basis of race, gender identity or expression, you can find out more about  human rights complaints and processes  or file a complaint directly with the  Canadian Human Rights Commission .

If you have an issue about  airplane noise , you can get more information from Transport Canada's  Managing noise from aircraft  website.

For issues related to  bilingual service , please contact the  Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages .

• Travel agents or tour operators
• Customs, immigration, or security
• Airport facilities and services (not related to accessibility)
• Airline customer service
• Aviation safety
• Unfair competitive services, including false advertising
• Human rights violation
• Airplane noise complaints
• Bilingual airline service

Already submitted a complaint?

• Check the status of your complaint online
• You do not have to submit a new complaint
• The wait time and the complaint process will not impact the compensation or other entitlements that you may be owed.

Before you make a complaint

• You must contact the airline in writing first and give them 30 days to reply .
• Check the deadlines for delays, cancellations or baggage .

You will be asked in the form to provide information about your flight and the problems you experienced. You will also need to upload your documents throughout the form.

• Proof that you contacted the airline in writing
• Airline ticket, booking confirmation or invoice
• Airline booking number or reservation code.
• Booking details, including the complete flight itinerary.
• Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses related to the problem you experienced
• Ticket number
• Boarding pass
• If you were denied boarding (bumping), you will need written confirmation of what the airline offered you
• Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or Incident report
• Damaged property report, if provided
• Complete list of missing or damaged items, including the value per item
• Receipts for replacement items

How the air travel complaint resolution process works

Step 1 : Passenger form submitted and goes into the queue

Step 2: Complaint resolution Start Notice issued (day 0)

Step 3: Airline answer and passenger reply

Step 4: Eligibility review 

Step 5 optional: Informal resolution — mediation (Starts by day 30) -->

Step 6: Final decision (completed by day 90)

Read more about air travel complaint resolution process .

What you need to know about delays, cancellations and missing baggage

Find out what you should do, and what your rights are.

• if your flight is delayed or cancelled
• if your flight is with a large  or small airline
• if your baggage is lost, damaged or delayed

Peak travel times

• Airport congestion and flight issues
• Tips to ensure the airline boards you on your flight

U.S. News takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

9 Best Travel Insurance Companies of April 2024

According to our analysis of more than 50 travel insurance companies and hundreds of different travel insurance plans, the best travel insurance company is Travelex Insurance Services. In our best travel insurance ratings, we take into account traveler reviews, credit ratings and industry awards. The best travel insurance companies offer robust coverage and excellent customer service, and many offer customizable add-ons.

Travelex Insurance Services »

Allianz Travel Insurance »

HTH Travel Insurance »

Tin Leg »

AIG Travel Guard »

Nationwide Insurance »

Seven Corners »

Generali Global Assistance »

Berkshire hathaway travel protection ».

Why Trust Us

U.S. News evaluates ratings, data and scores of more than 50 travel insurance companies from comparison websites like TravelInsurance.com, Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip, plus renowned credit rating agency AM Best, in addition to reviews and recommendations from top travel industry sources and consumers to determine the Best Travel Insurance Companies.

Table of Contents

• Travelex Insurance Services
• Allianz Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can help you protect the financial investment you made in your vacation when unexpected issues arise. Find the best travel insurance for the type of trip(s) you're taking and the coverages that matter most to you – from interruptions and misplaced belongings to illness and injury.

• Travelex Insurance Services: Best Overall
• Allianz Travel Insurance: Best for Trip Interruptions
• HTH Travel Insurance: Best for Groups
• Tin Leg: Best Cost
• AIG Travel Guard: Best for Families
• Nationwide Insurance: Best for Last-Minute Travel Insurance
• Seven Corners: Best for 24/7 Support When Traveling
• Generali Global Assistance: Best for Medical Emergencies
• Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection: Best for Specialized Coverage

Customizable upgrades are available, including car rental coverage, additional medical insurance and adventure sports coverage

Medical and trip cancellation maximum are not as high as some other companies

• 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation; 150% for trip interruption
• Up to $1,000 in coverage for lost, damaged or stolen bags and personal items; $200 for luggage delays
• $750 in missed connection coverage
• $50,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage
• Up to $500,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

SEE FULL REVIEW »

Annual and multitrip policies are available

Distinguishing between the company's 10 travel insurance plans can be challenging

• Up to $200,000 in trip cancellation coverage; $300,000 in trip interruption coverage
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal effects; $600 for bag delays
• Up to $1,600 for travel delays
• Emergency medical coverage of up to $75,000
• Epidemic coverage

Generous coverage at the mid- and high-tier levels, and great group discounts

Preexisting conditions coverage is only available at mid- and high-tier plans

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to $50,000); 200% trip interruption coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for baggage and personal effects; $400 in baggage delay coverage
• Up to $2,000 in coverage for trip delays; $1,000 for missed connections
• $500,000 in coverage per person for sickness and accidents

Variety of plans to choose from, including two budget-friendly policies and several more premium options

More limited coverage for baggage issues than other companies

• 100% trip cancellation protection; 150% trip interruption
• $500 per person for lost, stolen or damaged baggage and personal items
• Up to $2,000 per person in travel delay coverage ($150 per day); $100 per person for missed connections
• $100,000 per person in emergency medical coverage, including issues related to COVID-19

Travel insurance policy coverage is tailored to your specific trip

Information about policy coverage inclusions is not readily available without first obtaining a quote

• Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of your trip's cost; trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
• Up to $2,500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged baggage; $500 related to luggage delays
• Up to $1,000 in missed connection and trip delay coverage
• $100,000 in emergency medical coverage

Variety of plans to choose from and coverage available up to a day before you leave on your trip

Limited trip cancellation coverage even at the highest tier

• Trip cancellation coverage up to $30,000; trip interruption coverage worth up to 200% of the trip cost (maximum of $60,000)
• $2,000 for lost, damaged or stolen baggage; $600 for baggage delays
• Up to $2,000 for trip delays; missed connection and itinerary change coverage of $500 each
• $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues

Customer service available 24/7 via text, Whatsapp, email and phone

Cancel for any reason coverage costs extra

• 100% trip cancellation coverage (up to between $30,000 and $100,000 depending on your state of residence); interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost 
• Lost, stolen or damaged baggage coverage up to $2,500; up to $600 for luggage delays
• Trip delay and missed connection coverage worth up to $1,500
• Emergency medical coverage worth up to between $250,000 and $500,000 (depending on where you live)

Generous emergency medical and emergency evacuation coverage

Coverage for those with preexisting conditions is only available on the Premium plan

• 100% reimbursement for trip cancellation; 175% reimbursement for trip interruption
• $2,000 in coverage for loss of baggage per person
• $1,000 per person in travel delay and missed connection coverage
• $250,000 in medical and dental coverage per person

In addition to single-trip plans, company offers specific road trip, adventure travel, flight and cruise insurance coverage

Coverage for missed connections or accidental death and dismemberment is not part of the most basic plan

• Trip cancellation coverage worth up to 100% of the trip cost; interruption coverage worth up to 150% of the trip cost
• $500 in coverage for lost, stolen or damaged bags and personal items; bag delay coverage worth $200
• Trip delay coverage worth up to $1,000; missed connection coverage worth up to $100
• Medical coverage worth up to $50,000

To help you better understand the costs associated with travel insurance, we requested quotes for a weeklong June 2024 trip to Spain for a solo traveler, a couple and a family. These rates should help you get a rough estimate for about how much you can expect to spend on travel insurance. For additional details on specific coverage from each travel insurance plan and to input your trip information for a quote, see our comparison table below.

Travel Insurance Types: Which One Is Right for You?

There are several types of travel insurance you'll want to evaluate before choosing the policy that's right for you. A few of the most popular types of travel insurance include:

COVID travel insurance Select insurance plans offer some or a combination of the following COVID-19-related protections: coverage for rapid or PCR testing; accommodations if you're required to quarantine during your trip if you test positive for coronavirus; health care; and trip cancellations due to you or a family member testing positive for COVID-19. Read more about the best COVID-19 travel insurance options .

Cancel for any reason insurance Cancel for any reason travel insurance works exactly how it sounds. This type of travel insurance lets you cancel your trip for any reason you want – even if your reason is that you simply decide you no longer want to go. Cancel for any reason travel insurance is typically an add-on you can purchase to go along with other types of travel insurance. For that reason, you will pay more to have this kind of coverage added to your policy.

Also note that this type of coverage typically only reimburses 50% to 80% of your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses. You'll want to make sure you know exactly how much reimbursement you could qualify for before you invest in this type of policy. Compare the best cancel for any reason travel insurance options here .

International travel insurance Travel insurance is especially useful when traveling internationally, as it can provide medical coverage for emergencies (in some cases for COVID-19) when you're far from home. Depending which international travel insurance plan you choose, this type of travel insurance can also cover lost or delayed luggage, rental cars, travel interruptions or cancellations, and more.

Cheap travel insurance If you want travel insurance but don't want to spend a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap travel insurance options that will offer at least some protections (and peace of mind). These are typically called a company's basic or standard plan; many travel insurance companies even allow you to customize your coverage, spending as little or as much as you want. Explore your options for the cheapest travel insurance here .

Trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance Trip cancellation coverage can help you get reimbursement for prepaid travel expenses, such as your airfare and cruise fare, if your trip is ultimately canceled for a covered reason. Trip interruption insurance, on the other hand, kicks in to reimburse you if your trip is derailed after it starts. For instance, if you arrived at your destination and became gravely ill, it would cover the cost if you had to cut your trip short.

Trip delay insurance can help you qualify for reimbursement of any unexpected expenses you incur (think: lodging, transportation and food) in the event your trip is delayed for reasons beyond your control, such as your flight being canceled and rebooked for the next day. You will want to save your receipts to substantiate your claim if you have this coverage.

Lost, damaged, delayed or stolen bags or personal belongings Coverage for lost or stolen bags can come in handy if your checked luggage is lost by your airline or your luggage is delayed so long that you have to buy clothing and toiletries for your trip. This type of coverage can kick in to cover the cost to replace lost or stolen items you brought on your trip. It can also provide coverage for the baggage itself. It's even possible that your travel insurance policy will pay for your flight home if damages are caused to your residence and your belongings while you're away, forcing you to return home immediately.

Travel medical insurance If you find yourself sick or injured while you are on vacation, emergency medical coverage can pay for your medical expenses. With that in mind, however, you will need to find out whether the travel medical insurance you buy is primary or secondary. Where a primary policy can be used right away to cover medical bills incurred while you travel, secondary coverage only provides reimbursement after you have exhausted other medical policies you have.

You will also need to know how the travel medical coverage you purchase deals with any preexisting conditions you have, including whether you will have any coverage for preexisting conditions at all. Read more about the best travel medical insurance plans .

Evacuation insurance Imagine you break your leg while on the side of a mountain in some far-flung land without quality health care. Not only would you need travel medical insurance coverage in that case, but you would also need coverage for the exorbitant expense involved in getting you off the side of a mountain and flying you home where you can receive appropriate medical care.

Evacuation coverage can come in handy if you need it, but you will want to make sure any coverage you buy comes with incredibly high limits. According to Squaremouth, an emergency evacuation can easily cost $25,000 in North America and up to $50,000 in Europe, so the site typically suggests customers buy policies with $50,000 to $100,000 in emergency evacuation coverage.

Cruise insurance Travel delays; missed connections, tours or excursions; and cruise ship disablement (when a ship encounters a mechanical issue and is unable to continue on in the journey) are just a few examples why cruise insurance can be a useful protection if you've booked a cruise vacation. Learn more about the top cruise insurance plans here .

Credit card travel insurance It is not uncommon to find credit cards that include trip cancellation and interruption coverage , trip delay insurance, lost or delayed baggage coverage, travel accident insurance, and more. Cards that offer this coverage include popular options like the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card , the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card and The Platinum Card from American Express . 

Note that owning a credit card with travel insurance protection is not enough for your coverage to count: To take advantage of credit card travel insurance, you must pay for prepaid travel expenses like your airfare, hotel stay or cruise with that specific credit card. Also, note that credit cards with travel insurance have their own list of exclusions to watch out for. Many also require cardholders to pay an annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to buy travel insurance is normally within a few weeks of booking your trip since you may qualify for lower pricing if you book early. Keep in mind, some travel insurance providers allow you to purchase plans until the day before you depart.

Many times, you are given the option to purchase travel insurance when you book your airfare, accommodations or vacation package. Travel insurance and travel protection are frequently offered as add-ons for your trip, meaning you can pay for your vacation and some level of travel insurance at the same time.

However, many people choose to wait to buy travel insurance until after their entire vacation is booked and paid for. This helps travelers tally up all the underlying costs associated with a trip, and then choose their travel insurance provider and the level of coverage they want.

Figuring out where to buy travel insurance may be confusing but you can easily research and purchase travel insurance online these days. Some consumers prefer to shop around with a specific provider, such as Allianz or Travelex, but you can also shop and compare policies with a travel insurance platform. Popular options include:

• TravelInsurance.com: TravelInsurance.com offers travel insurance options from more than a dozen vetted insurance providers. Users can read reviews on the various travel insurance providers to find out more about previous travelers' experiences with them. Squaremouth: With Squaremouth, you can enter your trip details and compare more than 90 travel insurance plans from 20-plus providers.
• InsureMyTrip: InsureMyTrip works similarly, letting you shop around and compare plans from more than 20 travel insurance providers in one place. InsureMyTrip also offers several guarantees, including a Best Price Guarantee, a Best Plan Guarantee and a Money-Back Guarantee that promises a full refund if you decide you no longer need the plan you purchased.

Protect your trip: Search, compare and buy the best travel insurance plans for the lowest price. Get a quote .

When you need to file a travel insurance claim, you should plan on explaining to your provider what happened to your trip and why you think your policy applies. If you planned to go on a Caribbean cruise, but your husband fell gravely ill the night before you were set to depart, you would need to explain that situation to your travel insurance company. Information you should share with your provider includes the details of why you're making a claim, who was involved and the exact circumstances of your loss.

Documentation is important, and your travel insurance provider will ask for proof of what happened. Required documentation for travel insurance typically includes any proof of a delay, receipts, copies of medical bills and more.

Most travel insurance companies let you file a claim using an online form, but some also allow you to file a claim by phone or via fax. Some travel insurance providers, such as Allianz and Travel Insured International, offer their own mobile apps you can use to buy policies and upload information or documents that substantiate your claim. In any case, you will need to provide the company with proof of your claim and the circumstances that caused it.

If your claim is initially denied, you may also need to answer some questions or submit some additional information that can highlight why you do, in fact, qualify.

Whatever you do, be honest and forthcoming with all the information in your claim. Also, be willing to provide more information or answer any questions when asked.

Travel insurance claims typically take four to six weeks to process once you file with your insurance company. However, with various flight delays and cancellations due to things like extreme weather and pilot shortages, more travelers have begun purchasing travel insurance, encountering trip issues and having to submit claims. The higher volume of claims submitted has resulted in slower turnaround times at some insurance companies.

The longer you take to file your travel insurance claim after a loss, the longer you will be waiting for reimbursement. Also note that, with many travel insurance providers, there is a time limit on how long you can submit claims after a trip. For example, with Allianz Travel Insurance and Travelex Insurance Services, you have 90 days from the date of your loss to file a claim.

You may be able to expedite the claim if you provide all the required information upfront, whereas the process could drag on longer than it needs to if you delay filing a claim or the company has to follow up with you to get more information.

Travel insurance is never required, and only you can decide whether or not it's right for you. Check out Is Travel Insurance Worth It? to see some common situations where it does (and doesn't) make sense.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is an award-winning content creator who has been writing about travel insurance and travel for more than a decade. She has researched travel insurance options for her own vacations and family trips to more than 50 countries around the world, and has experience navigating the claims and reimbursement process. In fact, she has successfully filed several travel insurance claims for trip delays and trip cancellations over the years. Johnson also works alongside her husband, Greg, who has been licensed to sell travel insurance in 50 states, in their family media business.

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Are you in the business of booking travel? By law, any person or business that provides travel services to the public needs a licence.

Travel services include transportation, accommodation, or another service that is combined with transportation or accommodation. There are two types of licences; one for travel agents and one for travel wholesalers/ accommodation providers. Your business model may need both. If you do not know what kind of licence you are applying for – travel agent or travel wholesaler, read the information below on “Do you need to be licensed?”

If you operate from a retail location, are home-based, or consider yourself to be an independent contractor, you still need a licence. All locations need to be licensed. Travel agents and travel wholesalers are not allowed to work from a virtual office or a non-permanent place of business.  What is a virtual office?

Read the  Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act . Read the  Travel Industry Regulation .

Do you need to be licensed?

If you are selling travel services, the following business models need to be licensed.

• A travel agent: sells or provides travel services directly to the public but those services are supplied by a third party.
• A wholesaler: either buys or gets the rights to resell travel services from a third party or deals with travel agents or other wholesalers to sell travel services supplied by a third party.
• A branch office: is a smaller, remotely located office that is separate from the corporate headquarters, but is responsible to the head office. A branch acts on behalf of the head office.
• An independent contractor/agent: is a person who operates as an agent of a licensed travel agent and is engaged in the occupation of selling or providing travel services. They operate under a contract or other arrangement that allows them to enter into contracts and engage in other activities on behalf of the licensed travel agent when selling travel services. Often, these people are paid on a straight commission basis and often issued Revenue Canada T4A employment slips for tax purposes. Independent contractors/agents need a travel branch licence.
• An accommodation provider: arranges short-term vacation rentals for locations or units that they don’t own. Accommodation providers need a travel wholesaler licence.

If you are still unsure, contact us with your business model and a description of your service.

How to get licensed

As a travel agent or wholesaler 

To be licensed, you must download and complete the licence application, checklist, and provide the associated materials in the steps below. Wherever possible, please submit documents in PDF format. However, we may accept other graphic formats such as JPG, BMP and TIF.

Step 1: Obtain proof of registration or incorporation

As part of your application, you must provide proof of incorporation or business registration. To register your business in BC, visit OneStop BC Business Registry . If you are starting a new business, visit  Small Business BC . If your business is a partnership or proprietorship, as part of your application you must provide:

• the names of the partners or proprietors
• a current copy of any trade name registration(s) under which you intend to operate

If your business is a corporation, you must provide

• the names of directors, senior officers, and beneficial owners with voting shares

Wherever possible, please submit documents in PDF format. However, we may accept other graphic formats such as JPG, BMP and TIF.

Step 2: Obtain municipal business licence

As part of your application, you must provide a copy of your business licence issued by your local municipality. Some municipalities will not issue a business licence until they see that you have one of our licences. If this is the case, please apply for your municipal licence and forward a copy of the application and receipt to us as part of your application. 

Step 3: Complete a criminal record check

Senior officers, partners or proprietors of your business must complete a criminal record check. For Canadian residents, get your criminal record check through our third-party supplier. The results will be sent directly to us.

Get a criminal record check .

For non-Canadian residents, a criminal record check from a law enforcement agency in your home jurisdiction is required and should be submitted as part of your application. For U.S. residents, criminal record checks must be state-wide or federal. Wherever possible, please submit documents in PDF format. However, we may accept other graphic formats such as JPG, BMP and TIF.

Step 4: Obtain security

You must obtain and provide financial security as part of your application. Financial security may be provided in any of the following forms:

• Letter of Credit – in favour of Consumer Protection BC issued by a financial institution.  See sample .
• Cash – presented as bank draft or money order. These funds will be held in trust by Consumer Protection BC. Note: no interest is paid on cash securities once they are no longer required.
• Surety Bond – an insurance policy issued by an insurance company authorized to operate in BC.  See sample .
• Safekeeping Agreement (i.e. GIC or similar investment issued by a financial institution) – in favour of Consumer Protection BC.  See sample .

Once you are licensed, the required amount may change depending on your gross sales each year. These are starting amounts based on your licence type:

• Travel agent only – $15,000
• Travel wholesaler only – $15,000
• Accommodation provider only – $15,000
• Both a travel agent and a wholesaler – $30,000

The original document issued by the financial institution or insurer must be included with your application. This security will be held throughout the term of your licence plus 6-months after the cancellation or expiry of your licence.

Step 5: Provide financial information

As a new business, you must include a balance sheet:

• that is current to within 90 days of the application and clearly indicates your current assets, liabilities, and equity 
• includes the applicant’s legal name
• dated and certified correct by an authorized signing officer(s) of the applicant

If your business has operated for more than a year, you must include a financial statement:

• certified correct by the authorized signing officer(s) of the applicant
• current to within 90 days of application
• prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or international financial reporting standards (IFRS)

Here are some considerations for the preparation of your balance sheet or financial statement that you should discuss with your financial professional:

• Security cannot be considered a current asset.
• Receivables owed to the business must be excluded from the calculation of current assets.
• The amount owed by the business to other parties must be excluded from the calculation of current liabilities.
• A credible cash flow statement for one year indicating sufficient working capital may be accepted in lieu of the suggested amount of start-up working capital.

Your balance sheet or financial statement will be reviewed to ensure you have enough working capital to operate. You may want to review the information below with your financial professional as they prepare your balance sheet or financial statement. The suggested minimum amount is based on your business model:

If your business owes money which is payable to its owner(s) or shareholder(s) on demand, you must complete a subordination of loans agreement .

Step 6: Set up a business phone number

You can maintain a landline or a cell phone number as your business line. The number must be made public and be searchable somehow (for example through directory assistance or  Canada411 ). The number must also be easily found on your website, receipts and other business documents.

Step 7: Verify bank account information

You must provide your bank account information verified by your financial institution. If you are a travel wholesaler or accommodation provider, you are also required to set up a consumer trust account separate from your general operating account.

Complete the verification of financial information form .

Step 8: Apply for a licence   

Review the  application checklist . Download, complete and submit a  licence application form .

Payment of the new licence application fee and initial Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) contribution, as per the current fee schedule , can be made by cheque or by credit card authorization form and must accompany your application.

If you are operating from your home, download, complete and submit a  statutory declaration residence as a place of business form .

If your business has more than one location, each location requires its own licence (your main location is the head office, and other locations are branches).

You must submit all your supporting documents noted in Steps 1-7 above with your application. Each application may take up to four weeks to process.

Step 9: Read and understand your obligations

It is your responsibility to review all applicable laws pertaining to your industry and to understand your obligations.

Review your obligations .

Add a licensed branch

By law, all locations of your travel agency/wholesaler business must have its own licence. It may be a branch, or home-based. To us, these are all considered branches and must be licensed.

A branch office is a location that is separate from a company’s corporate headquarters but is responsible to the head office. It allows your company to have a presence in more places. A branch acts on behalf of the head office.

The head office assumes all liabilities for the branch office and their actions. The head office must complete all the paperwork, applies for all licences, submits financial reports and makes all the payments (including Travel Assurance Fund payments and all fees). A home office can be a branch. The same rules apply as a storefront office. A Statutory Declaration for Residence as a Place of Business must also be filled out by the homeowner.

Read the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act . Read the  Travel Industry Regulation .

Get your branch licensed

Each location must be licensed. Before you get another location licensed, the head office must be licensed with us. The head office must complete the branch application, not the Branch Manager. A branch office is a location that is separate from a company’s corporate headquarters but is responsible to the head office. It allows your company to have a presence in more places. A branch acts on behalf of the head office. A branch can’t be a separate legal entity.

Step 1: Provide your municipal business licence

You must provide a copy of your business licence issued by your local municipality.

Step 2: Set up a business phone number

Step 3: Apply for a licence for each location

Fill out the travel agent branch application form and submit it to us with the payment. If the branch is home-based, a statutory declaration is required confirming that the residence is also a place of business.

Submit the travel agent branch application form Submit a  statutory declaration form .

Step 4: Read and understand your obligations

Licence application forms

To be completed by the Head Office:

• Travel agent, travel wholesalers/accommodation provider application checklist
• Travel agent, travel wholesalers/accommodation provider application form
• Travel agent branch application form 
• Verification of financial information form
• Subordination of loans agreement 
• Credit card authorization form 

To be completed by the home-based agent or location manager:

• A statutory declaration that a residence is a place of business

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

A Consumer Guide to Air Travel

Schedules and tickets.

• Delayed and Canceled Flights

Overbooking

Passengers with disabilities.

• Frequent-Flyer Programs

Contract Terms

Travel scams, to your health, airline safety and security, complaining.

Notice: We make every effort to keep Fly-Rights up to date, but airlines frequently change the way they do business. So by the time you read this, a few procedures we explain may be different.

Introduction

The elimination of government regulation of airline fares and routes has resulted in lower fares and a wide variety of price/service options. In this new commercial environment, consumers have had to take a more active role in choosing their air service by learning to ask a number of questions:

• Am I more concerned with price or with schedule? Am I willing to fly at a less convenient time if it means saving $25?
• Will the airline penalize me for changing my reservation/
• Will I have to pay extra for checked bags or for seat assignments?
• What will the airline do for me if it cancels my flight?
• This booklet is designed to explain your rights and responsibilities as an air traveler and to show you how to avoid problems. We hope it helps you become a more resourceful consumer.

Because of the emphasis on price competition, consumers may choose from a wide variety of air fares. It is easy to compare fares and schedules on the Web, using airline web sites or third-party reservation services.  You can also contact a travel agent, another ticket outlet, or the airlines serving the places you want to travel to. (Some airlines and other outlets charge a fee for tickets purchased by means other than the Web.  On the other hand, a few airlines may charge a fee for tickets that are purchased via the Web.) You can also be alert to newspaper and radio ads, where airlines advertise many of the discounts available in your city. Finally, be alert to new companies serving the market. They may offer lower fares or different services than older established airlines. Here are some tips to help you decide among air fares:

• Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week (particularly midweek or Saturday) or certain hours of the day (e.g., early-morning flights or overnight "red eyes"). When searching flights and fares on the Web you can usually specify whether your dates are flexible, and in the search results the fares are generally listed from lowest to highest. If you are shopping by phone or in person, after you get a fare quote ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by leaving a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day.
• Plan as far ahead as you can. Some airlines set aside only a few seats on each flight at the lower rates. The real bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available later. If you had decided against a trip because the price you wanted was not available when you first inquired, try again, especially just before the advance-purchase deadline. Flights for holiday periods may sell out months ahead of time, although in many cases you can find a seat if you elect to travel on the holiday itself, e.g. Christmas Day or Thanksgiving Day.
• Some airlines may have discounts that others don't offer. In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop.
• Be aware that many airlines charge extra for checked baggage, advance seat assignments, meals, or other services.  Airlines include information on these fees on their web sites.
• If you have a connection involving two airlines, ask whether your bags will be transferred. Ask whether your ticket will be good on another carrier at no extra charge if your flight is canceled or experiences a lengthy delay, and whether the first airline will pay for meals or a hotel room during the wait.
• Most discount fares are non-refundable; if you buy one of these fares and you later cancel your trip, you will not get your money back. In many cases you can apply your ticket to another trip in the future, but there may be a steep fee.  Many fares also have a penalty for changing flights or dates even if you don't want a refund. You may also have to pay any difference in air fares if your fare-type is not available on the new flight.
• After you buy your ticket, call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if the fare you paid goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference (or give you a transportation credit for that amount). But you have to ask. 
• Differences in air fares can be substantial. Careful comparison shopping among airlines does take time, but it can lead to real savings.

Once you decide when and where you want to go, and which airline you want to use, you will usually have to purchase a ticket in order to hold a confirmed seat. However, many large airlines will hold a reservation for 24 hours or so without payment. Others require payment at the time you make a reservation but will provide a full refund if you cancel in the first day or so.  When available, both of these procedures permit you to hold a seat and a fare for a short time while continuing to shop for a better deal. Be aware of the following considerations when selecting a flight and buying a ticket:

• Check the on-time performance percentage for flights that you are considering. On-time performance percentages for individual flights of the larger U.S. airlines are available by phone from those airlines upon request. These airlines are also required to post this information on their web sites, with special notice for flights that experienced serious delays or cancellations. If you are deciding between two flights with similar schedules and fares, you may want to choose the one with the better on-time record. (Only the largest U.S. airlines are required to maintain and provide on-time performance data.) You can see aggregate information about airline and airport on-time performance and a list of the most frequently delayed flights in DOT’s monthly  Air Travel Consumer Report . Also, the web site of DOT’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics ( www.bts.gov ) contains detailed on-time performance data for the large U.S. airlines that are required to report this information.
• When you buy a ticket, be sure all of the information is recorded accurately. Before you click "Submit" or make a final commitment to a reservations agent, review all of the essential information ? the spelling of your name, the flight numbers and travel dates, and the cities you are traveling between. Use the form of your name that is on the photo ID that you will show at the airport. (For an international flight, this will be your passport.) If there is more than one airport at either city, be sure you check which one you'll be using. It's also important to give the airline more than one telephone number and an email address so they can let you know if there is any change in its schedule.
• A "direct" (or "through") flight with a single flight number can have one or more intermediate stops. A connection (change of planes) nearly always has a separate flight number for each flight, but sometimes the two flights are listed on the same line in schedules.  Look carefully at the "Stops" column and the departure and arrival times to determine whether the flight suits your needs.
• If you are flying to a small city and your flight number has four digits, you may be booked on a commuter airline that has an agreement with the major carrier in whose name the flight is advertised and sold. Look for disclosures of these so-called "code-share" flights in the schedules, or ask the reservations agent.  DOT requires that you be provided this information.
• As soon as you receive your ticket or email confirmation, check to make sure all the information on it is correct, especially your name, the airports (if any of the cities have more than one) and the flight dates. Pursue any necessary corrections immediately.
• You will need to show a government-issued photo I.D. when you fly.  It is important that your name as it appears on the ticket is the same as it appears on the I.D. you will be using.  If your name has recently changed and the name on your ticket and your I.D. are different (or will be different by the time of your trip), bring documentation of the change (e.g., a marriage certificate or court order).
• Many European countries ("the Schengen states") require that your passport be valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.  For more information see the Department of State's Schengen web page at  http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/schengen-fact-sheet.html .
• Re-check the departure and arrival times of your flights a few days before your trip; schedules sometimes change. On international trips, some airlines may require that you reconfirm your onward or return reservations at least 72 hours before each flight. If you don't, your reservations may be canceled.
• Bring your ticket or printed confirmation to the airport. You may also be able to print your boarding pass from the carrier’s web site within 24 hours of departure. This speeds your check-in and helps you avoid some of the tension you might otherwise feel if you had to wait in a slow-moving line at the airport.
• Payment by credit card provides certain protections under federal credit laws. When a refund is due, the airline must forward a credit to your card company within seven business days after receiving a complete refund application; however, the credit may take a month or two to appear on your statement. If you paid by credit card for a refundable fare and you have trouble getting a refund that you are due (e.g., you have a refundable fare, or you have a nonrefundable fare and the airline canceled your flight and you did not travel as a result), report this in writing to your credit card company. If you write to them within 60 days from the time that they mailed your first monthly statement showing the charge for the airline ticket, the card company should credit your account even if the airline doesn't. This procedure is particularly useful if your airline ceases operations before your flight.

NOTE: In some cases tickets purchased overseas in foreign currency can only be refunded in that same currency and country, due to foreign government monetary restrictions. Keep this in mind if you are considering buying a ticket in a foreign country.

Delayed and Cancelled Flights

Airlines don't guarantee their schedules, and you should realize this when planning your trip. There are many things that can-and often do-make it impossible for flights to arrive on time. Some of these problems, like bad weather, air traffic delays, and mechanical issues, are hard to predict and often beyond the airlines' control.

If your flight is delayed, try to find out how late it will be. But keep in mind that it is sometimes difficult for airlines to estimate the total duration of a delay during its early stages. In so- called "creeping delays," developments occur which were not anticipated when the carrier made its initial estimate of the length of the delay. Weather that had been forecast to improve can instead deteriorate, or a mechanical problem can turn out to be more complex than initially evaluated. If the problem is with local weather or air traffic control, all flights will probably be late and there's not much you or the airline can do to speed up your departure. If your flight is experiencing a lengthy delay, you might be better off trying to arrange another flight, as long as you don't have to pay a cancellation penalty or higher fare for changing your reservations. (It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements by phone than at a ticket counter.) If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline if it will endorse your ticket to the new carrier; this could save you a fare collection. Remember, however, that there is no rule requiring them to do this.

If your flight is canceled, most airlines will rebook you on their first flight to your destination on which space is available, at no additional charge. If this involves a significant delay, find out if another carrier has space and ask the first airline if they will endorse your ticket to the other carrier. Finding extra seats may be difficult, however, especially over holidays and other peak travel times.

Each airline has its own policies about what it will do for delayed passengers waiting at the airport; there are no federal requirements. If you are delayed, ask the airline staff if it will pay for meals or a phone call. Some airlines, often those charging very low fares, do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if the delay is caused by bad weather or something else beyond the airline's control. Contrary to popular belief, for domestic itineraries airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. As discussed in the chapter on overbooking, compensation is required by law on domestic trips only when you are "bumped" from a flight that is oversold. On international itineraries, passengers may be able to recover reimbursement under Article 19 of the Montreal Convention for expenses resulting from a delayed or canceled flight by filing a claim with the airline.  If the claim is denied, you may pursue the matter in court if you believe that the carrier did not take all measures that could reasonably be required to avoid the damages caused by the delay.

If the purpose of your trip is to close a potentially lucrative business deal, give a speech or lecture, attend a family function, or connect to a cruise, you might want to allow a little extra leeway and take an earlier flight. In other words, airline delays aren't unusual, and defensive planning is a good idea when time is your most important consideration.

Some flights are delayed on the airport "tarmac" before taking off or after landing. DOT rules prohibit most U.S. airlines from allowing a domestic flight to remain on the tarmac for more than three hours unless:

• the pilot determines that there is a safety or security reason why the aircraft cannot taxi to the gate and deplane its passengers, or
• Air traffic control advises the pilot that taxiing to the gate (or to another location where passengers can be deplaned) would significantly disrupt airport operations.

U.S. airlines operating international flights to or from most U.S.airports must each establish and comply with their own limit on the length of tarmac delays on those flights. On both domestic and international flights, U.S. airlines must provide passengers with food and water no later than two hours after the tarmac delay begins. While the aircraft remains on the tarmac lavatories must remain operable and medical attention must be available if needed.

When booking your flight remember that a departure early in the day is less likely to be delayed than a later flight, due to "ripple" effects of delays throughout the day. Also, if an early flight does get delayed or canceled, you have more rerouting options. If you book the last flight of the day and it is canceled, you could get stuck overnight. You may select a connection (change of planes) over a nonstop or direct flight because of the convenient departure time or lower fare. However, a change of planes always involves the possibility of a misconnection. If you have a choice of connections and the fares and service are equivalent, choose the one with the least-congested connecting airport, so it will be easier to get to your second flight. You may wish to take into consideration the potential for adverse weather if you have a choice of connecting cities. When making your reservation for a connection, always check the amount of time between flights. Ask yourself what will happen if the first flight is delayed; if you don't like the answer, pick another flight or "construct" a connection that allows more time.

Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for "no-shows." Passengers are sometimes left behind or "bumped" as a result. When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren't in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily, in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation.

Voluntary Bumping

Almost any planeload of airline passengers includes some people with urgent travel needs and others who may be more concerned about the cost of their tickets than about getting to their destination on time. DOT rules require airlines to seek out people who are willing to give up their seats for compensation before bumping anyone involuntarily. Here's how this works. At the check-in or boarding area, airline employees will look for volunteers when it appears that the flight has been oversold. If you're not in a rush to arrive at your next destination, you can give your reservation back to the airline in exchange for compensation and a later flight. But before you do this, you may want to get answers to these important questions:

• When is the next flight on which the airline can confirm your seat? The alternate flight may be just as acceptable to you. On the other hand, if the airline offers to put you on standby on another flight that's full, you could be stranded.
• Will the airline provide other amenities such as free meals, a hotel room, transfers between the hotel and the airport, and a phone card? If not, you might have to spend the money it offers you on food or lodging while you wait for the next flight.

DOT has not mandated the form or amount of compensation that airlines offer to volunteers. DOT does, however, require airlines to advise any volunteer whether he or she might be involuntarily bumped and, if that were to occur, the amount of compensation that would be due. Carriers can negotiate with their passengers for mutually acceptable compensation.  Airlines generally offer a free trip or other transportation benefits to prospective volunteers. The airlines give employees guidelines for bargaining with passengers, and they may select those volunteers willing to sell back their reservations for the lowest price. If the airline offers you a free ticket or a transportation voucher in a certain dollar amount, ask about restrictions. How long is the ticket or voucher good for? Is it "blacked out" during holiday periods when you might want to use it? Can it be used for international flights?

Involuntary Bumping

DOT requires each airline to give all passengers who are bumped involuntarily a written statement describing their rights and explaining how the carrier decides who gets on an oversold flight and who doesn't. Those travelers who don't get to fly are frequently entitled to denied boarding compensation in the form of a check or cash. The minimum amount depends on the price of the traveler's ticket and the length of the delay. DOT's requirements are the minimum but airlines may choose to provide a higher amount.

• If you are bumped involuntarily and the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to get you to your final destination (including later connections) within one hour of your original scheduled arrival time, there is no compensation.
• If the airline arranges substitute transportation that is scheduled to arrive at your destination between one and two hours after your original arrival time (between one and four hours on international flights), the airline must pay you, at a minimum, an amount equal to 200% of your one-way fare to your final destination that day, or $775, whichever amount is lower.
• If the substitute transportation is scheduled to get you to your destination more than two hours later (four hours internationally), or if the airline does not make any substitute travel arrangements for you, the minimum compensation doubles (400% of your one-way fare, or $1,550, whichever amount is lower).
• If your ticket does not show a fare (for example, a frequent-flyer award ticket or a ticket issued by a consolidator), your denied boarding compensation is based on the lowest cash, check or credit card payment charged for a ticket in the same class of service (e.g., coach, first class) on that flight.
• You always get to keep your original ticket and use it on another flight. If you choose to make your own arrangements, you can request an "involuntary refund" for the ticket for the flight you were bumped from. The denied boarding compensation is essentially a payment for your inconvenience.
• If you paid for optional services on your original flight (e.g., seat selection, checked baggage) and you did not receive those services on your substitute flight or were required to pay a second time, the airline that bumped you must refund those payments to you.

Like all rules, however, there are a few conditions and exceptions:

• To be eligible for compensation, you must have a confirmed reservation. A written confirmation issued by the airline or an authorized agent or reservation service qualifies you in this regard even if the airline can't find your reservation in the computer, as long as you didn't cancel your reservation or miss a reconfirmation deadline.
• Each airline has a check-in deadline, which is the amount of time before scheduled departure that you must present yourself to the airline at the airport. For domestic flights most carriers require you to be at the departure gate between 10 minutes and 30 minutes before scheduled departure, but some deadlines can be an hour or longer. Check-in deadlines on international flights can be as much as three hours before scheduled departure time. Some airlines may simply require you to be at the ticket/baggage counter by this time; most, however, require that you get all the way to the boarding area. Some may have deadlines at both locations. If you miss the check-in deadline, you may have lost your reservation and your right to compensation if the flight is oversold.

As noted above, no compensation is due if the airline arranges substitute transportation which is scheduled to arrive at your destination within one hour of your originally scheduled arrival time.

If the airline must substitute a smaller plane for the one it originally planned to use, the carrier isn't required to pay people who are bumped as a result. In addition, on flights using aircraft with 30 through 60 passenger seats, compensation is not required if you were bumped due to safety-related aircraft weight or balance constraints.

The rules do not apply to charter flights, or to scheduled flights operated with planes that hold fewer than 30 passengers. They don't apply to international flights inbound to the United States, although some airlines on these routes may follow them voluntarily. Also, if you are flying between two foreign cities -- from Paris to Rome, for example -- these rules will not apply. The European Commission has a rule on bumpings that occur in an EC country; ask the airline for details, or go to  http://ec.europa.eu/transport/passengers/air/air_en.htm .

Airlines set their own "boarding priorities" -- the order in which they will bump different categories of passengers in an oversale situation. When a flight is oversold and there are not enough volunteers, some airlines bump passengers with the lowest fares first. Others bump the last passengers to check in. Once you have purchased your ticket, the most effective way to reduce the risk of being bumped is to get to the airport early. For passengers in the same fare class the last passengers to check in are usually the first to be bumped, even if they have met the check-in deadline. Allow extra time; assume that the roads are backed up, the parking lot is full, and there is a long line at the check-in counter.

Airlines may offer free tickets or dollar-amount vouchers for future flights in place of a check for denied boarding compensation. However, if you are bumped involuntarily you have the right to insist on a check if that is your preference. Once you cash the check (or accept the free flight), you will probably lose the ability to pursue more money from the airline later on. However, if being bumped costs you more money than the airline will pay you at the airport, you can try to negotiate a higher settlement with their complaint department. If this doesn't work, you usually have 30 days from the date on the check to decide if you want to accept the amount of the check. You are always free to decline the check (e.g., not cash it) and take the airline to court to try to obtain more compensation. DOT's denied boarding regulation spells out the airlines' minimum obligation to people they bump involuntarily. Finally, don't be a "no-show." If you are holding confirmed reservations you don't plan to use, notify the airline. If you don't, they will cancel all onward or return reservations on your trip.

When an airlines determines that one or more passengers will be involuntarily bumped because the flight is oversold, the airline generally selects those passengers at the gate area before those passengers are accepted for boarding and allowed to board the flight.  Once a passenger has been accepted for boarding or has already boarded the flight, airlines are not permitted  to require that passenger deplane, unless the removal of the passenger is required by safety, security, or health reasons, or the removal is due to the passenger’s unlawful behavior.

Between the time you check your luggage in and the time you claim it at your destination, it may have passed through a maze of conveyor belts and baggage carts.  Once airborne, baggage may tumble around the cargo compartment if the plane hits rough air. In all fairness to the airlines, however, relatively few bags are damaged or lost. With some common-sense packing and other precautions, your bags will likely be among the ones that arrive safely.

You can pack to avoid problems. Certain items should never be put into a piece of luggage that you plan to check into the baggage compartment:

• Small valuables: cash, credit cards, jewelry, an expensive camera.
• Critical items: medicine, keys, passport, tour vouchers, business papers.
• Irreplaceable items: manuscript, heirlooms.
• Fragile items: eyeglasses, glass containers, liquids.

Things like this should be carried on your person or packed in a carry-on bag. Remember, the only way to be sure your valuables are not damaged or lost is to keep them with you. Full flights sometimes run out of room in the cabin for full-size carry-on bags. In those situations the airline must sometimes "gate check" the carry-on baggage of the last passengers to board the flight.  This happens near the door to the aircraft.  Pack your carry-on bag in a manner so that if it must be gate-checked you can quickly remove the fragile, valuable and critical items described above.  For example, consider packing all such items in a small, soft bag that will fit under the seat in front of you, and make sure that this small bag is easily accessible in your carry-on bag.

Although only a tiny percentage of checked bags are permanently lost, your bag might be delayed for a day or two. Don't put perishables in a checked bag; they may spoil if it is delayed. It is wise to put items that you will need during the first 24 hours in a carry-on bag (e.g. toiletries, a change of underwear). Check with the airline for its limits on the size, weight, and number of carry-on pieces. As of this writing, on most flights you are allowed to carry on one bag plus one personal item (e.g., purse, briefcase, camera bag, laptop computer bag).

If you are using more than one airline, check with all of them. Inquire about your flight; different airplanes can have different limits. Don't assume that the flight will have closet space for every carry-on garment bag; yours may have to be checked. If you plan to go shopping at your destination and bring your purchases aboard as carry-on, keep the limits in mind. If you check these purchases, however, carry the receipts separately; they may be necessary for a claim if the merchandise is lost or damaged. Don't put anything into a carry-on bag that could be considered a weapon (e.g. certain scissors, pocket knives). Check the web site of the  Transportation Security Administration  (TSA) for restrictions on carry-on baggage by click "Travelers."

As with carry-ons, checked baggage is subject to limits. Some airlines permit one or two checked bags at no charge; other carriers charge for even one checked bag. There can also be an extra charge if you exceed the airline's limits on the size, weight or number of the bags.

On some flights between two foreign cities, your allowance may be lower and may be based primarily on the weight of the checked bags rather than the number of pieces. The same two bags that cost you nothing to check when you started your trip could result in expensive excess-baggage charges under a weight system. Ask the airlines about the limit for every segment of your international trip before you leave home, especially if you have a stopover of a day or two or if you are changing carriers.

The bags you check should be labeled ? inside and out ? with your name and phone number. Add the name and phone number of a person to contact at your destination if it's practical to do so. Almost all of the bags that are misplaced by airlines do turn up sooner or later. With proper labeling, the bag and its owner can usually be reunited within a few hours.

Don't overpack a bag. This puts pressure on the latches, making it easier for them to pop open. If you plan to check any glassware, musical instruments or other fragile items, they should be packed in a container specifically designed to survive rough handling, preferably a factory-sealed carton or a padded hard-shell carrying case.

Don't check in at the last minute. Even if you make the flight, your bag may not. If you miss the airline's check-in deadline, the carrier might not assume liability for your bag if it is delayed or lost. If you have a choice, select flights that minimize the potential for baggage disruption. The likelihood of a bag going astray increases from #1 to #4 below (i.e., #1 is safest): 1) nonstop flight; 2) direct or 'through' flight (one or more stops, but no change of aircraft); 3) online connection (change of aircraft but not airlines); and 4) interline connection (change of aircraft and airlines)

When you check in, remove straps and hooks from garment bags that you are sending as checked baggage. These can get caught in baggage processing machinery, causing damage to the bag.

The airline will put baggage destination tags on your luggage and give you the stubs to use as claim checks. Make sure you get a stub for every bag. Don't throw them away until after you get your bags back and you check the contents. Not only will you need them if a claim is necessary, but you may need to show them to security upon leaving the baggage-claim area.

Your bags may only be checked to one of your intermediate stops rather than your destination city if you must clear Customs short of your final destination, or if you are taking a connection involving two airlines that don't have an interline agreement. Be sure all of the tags from previous trips are removed from your bag, since they may cause your bag to go astray.

Claiming your bags

Many bags look alike. After you pull what you think is your bag off the carousel, check the name tag or the bag tag number. If your bag arrives open, unlocked or visibly damaged, check right away to see if any of the contents are missing or damaged. Report any problems to the airline before leaving the airport; insist on having a report created. Open your suitcase immediately when you get to where you are staying. Any damage to the contents or any pilferage should be immediately reported to the airline by telephone. Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the name and telephone number of the person you spoke with. Follow up as soon as possible with a certified letter to the airline.

If your suitcase arrives smashed or torn, the airline will usually pay for repairs. If it can't be fixed, they will negotiate a settlement to pay you its depreciated value. The same holds true for belongings packed inside. Airlines may decline to pay for damage caused by the fragile nature of the broken item or inadequate packing, rather than the airline's rough handling. Air carriers might also refuse to compensate you for damaged items inside the bag when there's no evidence of external damage to the suitcase. When you check in, airline personnel may let you know if they think your suitcase or package may not survive the trip intact. Before accepting a questionable item, they may ask you to sign a statement in which you agree to check it at your own risk. But even if you do sign this form, the airline might be liable for damage if it is caused by its own negligence shown by external injury to the suitcase or package.

Delayed bags

If you and your suitcase don't connect at your destination, don't panic. The airlines have very sophisticated systems that track down the vast majority of misplaced bags and return them to their owners within hours. In many cases they will absorb reasonable expenses you incur while they look for your missing belongings. You and the airline may have different ideas of what's reasonable, however, and the amount it will pay is subject to negotiation.

If your bags don't come off the conveyor belt, report this to airline personnel before you leave the airport. Insist that they create a report and give you a copy, even if they say the bag will be in on the next flight. Get an appropriate phone number for following up (not the Reservations number). Don't assume that the airline will deliver the bag without charge when it is found; ask the airline about this. Most carriers set guidelines for their airport employees that allow them to disburse some money at the airport for emergency purchases. The amount depends on whether or not you're away from home and how long it takes to track down your bags and return them to you. If the airline does not provide you a cash advance, it may still reimburse you later for the purchase of necessities. Discuss with the carrier the types of articles that would be reimbursable, and keep all receipts. If the airline misplaces sporting equipment, it will sometimes pay for the rental of replacements. For replacement clothing or other articles, the carrier might offer to absorb only a portion of the purchase cost, on the basis that you will be able to use the new items in the future. (The airline may agree to a higher reimbursement if you turn the articles over to them.)

When you've checked in fresh foods or any other perishable goods and they are ruined because their delivery is delayed, the airline won't reimburse you. Carriers may be liable if they lose or damage perishable items, but they won't accept responsibility for spoilage caused by a delay in delivery.

Airlines are liable for provable consequential damages up to the amount of their liability limit (see below) in connection with the delay. If you can't resolve the claim with the airline's airport staff, keep a record of the names of the employees with whom you dealt, and hold on to all travel documents and receipts for any money you spent in connection with the mishandling. (It's okay to surrender your baggage claim tags to the airline when you fill out a form at the airport, as long as you get a copy of the form and it notes that you gave up the tags.) Contact the airline's baggage claims office or consumer office when you get home.

Lost luggage

Once your bag is declared (permanently) lost, you will have to submit a claim. This usually means you have to fill out a second, more detailed form. Check on this; failure to complete the second form when required could delay your claim. Missing the deadline for filing it could invalidate your claim altogether.

The airline will usually refer your claim to a central office, and the negotiations between you and the airline will begin. If your flight was a connection involving two carriers, the final carrier is normally the one responsible for processing your claim even if it appears that the first airline lost the bag. Airlines don't automatically pay the full amount of every claim they receive. First, they will use the information on your form to estimate the value of your lost belongings. Like insurance companies, airlines consider the depreciated value of your possessions, not their original price or the replacement costs. If you're tempted to exaggerate your claim, don't. Airlines may completely deny claims they feel are inflated or fraudulent. They often ask for sales receipts and other documentation to back up claims, especially if a large amount of money is involved. If you don't keep extensive records, you can expect to negotiate with the airline over the value of your goods. Generally, it takes an airline anywhere from four weeks to three months to pay passengers for their lost luggage. When airlines tender a settlement, they may offer you the option of free tickets on future flights in a higher amount than the cash payment. Ask about all restrictions on these tickets, such as "blackout" periods.

Limits on liability

Airlines assert a limit on their liability for delayed, lost or damaged checked baggage.  When your luggage and its contents are worth more than the liability limit, you may want to purchase "excess valuation," if available, from the airline as you check in. This is not insurance, but it will increase the carrier's potential liability. The airline may refuse to sell excess valuation on some items that are especially valuable or breakable, such as antiques, musical instruments, jewelry, manuscripts, negotiable securities and cash.

On domestic trips, the airline can invoke a liability ceiling that is regulated by DOT and that is adjusted for inflation every two years. That limit is currently $3,800 per passenger.

On international round trips that originate in the United States, the liability limit is set by a treaty called the Montreal Convention. This treaty also governs liability on international round trips that originate in another country that has ratified this Convention, and one-way trips between the U.S. and such a country. This international limit is reviewed for inflationary adjustment every five years; it is currently 1,288  Special Drawing Rights .  The SDR is a currency surrogate that floats daily; check with the  International Monetary Fund (IMF)  to see the current exchange rate.  At this writing 1,288 SDRs was worth about $1,780.  The international limit applies to domestic segments of an international journey.  In certain very limited circumstances, this may be the case even if the domestic and international flights are on separate tickets and you claim and re-check your bag between the two flights.

Keep in mind that the liability limits are maximums. If the depreciated value of your property is worth less than the liability limit, this lower amount is what you will be offered. If the airline's settlement doesn't fully reimburse your loss, check your homeowner's or renter's insurance; it sometimes covers losses away from the residence. Some credit card companies and travel agencies offer optional or even automatic supplemental baggage coverage.

Special liability requirements apply to the domestic transportation of assistive devices used by passengers with disabilities.  For more information, read our  page about wheelchairs and assistive devices  or the publication  New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability .

Hazardous Items

There are restrictions on carrying materials that could be hazardous in an aircraft environment.  For example, matches are not permitted in checked bags.  For details on hazardous materials, go to  www.faa.gov  >> Travelers, and  www.tsa.gov  >> Travelers.

Under U.S. government rules, smoking is prohibited on all scheduled-service flights of U.S. airlines. As a general matter, foreign airlines must also ban smoking on all scheduled-service flight segments in, to and from the United States. Cigar and pipe smoking is banned on all U.S.-carrier flights (both scheduled and charter).

On flights where smoking is not banned by law (e.g., charter flights), airlines must have a non-smoking section and must accommodate in that section every passenger who has complied with the airline’s check-in deadline and who wishes to be seated there.  On these flights, carriers are not required to have a smoking section. An airline is free to ban smoking on a particular flight, or on all of its flights.

None of the regulations described in this chapter apply to charter flights performed with small aircraft by on-demand air taxi operators.

The Air Carrier Access Act and the DOT rule that implements it set out procedures designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the same opportunity as anyone else to enjoy a pleasant flight. For information about these provisions, see the DOT publication  New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler With a Disability . 

Frequent-Traveler Programs

Most if not all major airlines participate in frequent-traveler plans. These programs allow you to earn free trips, upgrades (e.g., from Coach to First Class) or other awards based on how often you fly on that airline or its partner carriers. In most programs you can also earn credit by using specified hotels, rental car companies, credit cards, etc. It doesn't cost anything to join a program, and you can enroll in the programs of any number of different airlines. However, you will want to determine which program best suits your needs before you accumulate a lot of miles. Here are some things to look at when selecting a frequent-traveler program.

• Does the airline fly where you're likely to want to go?
• Are there tie-ins with other carriers, especially those with international routes? Is some of the airline's service provided by commuter-carrier "partners"? In both cases, can you earn credits and use awards on those other airlines?
• How many miles (or trips) are required for particular awards?
• Is there a minimum award per flight (e.g., you are only flying 200 miles but the airline always awards at least 500)?
• Is there a deadline for using accumulated miles?
• Carefully examine the number and length of any "blackout periods" during which awards cannot be used. For example, on some carriers the Thanksgiving blackout may last a week.
• If you are planning a big trip involving air travel and are thinking about joining that airline's frequent-flyer program, enroll before you travel. Airlines usually won't credit mileage that was flown before you became a member.

After you join a program, there are other things that you should know:

• Airlines reserve the right to make changes to their programs, sometimes on short notice. The number of miles required for particular awards might be raised, requiring you to use your old mileage (i.e., your current balance) under the more restrictive new rules. The airline may cease service on a route that you were particularly interested in, or it may even stop serving the city you live in. The carrier may eliminate attractive frequent-flyer tie-ins with particular airlines or hotel chains.
• Cashing in your mileage frequently will limit your losses in case the carrier changes the rules, merges, or goes out of business. Accumulating a larger mileage balance will entitle you to bigger awards, however.
• Carriers often limit the number of seats on each flight for which frequent-flyer awards can be used. You may not be able to get reservations on your first- or second-choice dates or flights.
• Awards can often be issued in the name of immediate family members. However, if you sell or give an award to someone not named on the award or the travel document and the airline finds out, the recipient could have his or her ticket confiscated, and the carrier may penalize the program member's account balance.
• Ask the airline how mileage is registered; you will probably have to identify yourself as a program member when you book your flight or when you check in.
• Keep your ticket (or email confirmation) and your boarding passes until you receive a statement from the frequent-flyer program reflecting the correct mileage earnings for that trip. If a problem arises, get the names of the people you speak with and keep notes of your conversations.

Throughout this booklet, we have tried to provide you general information about airline travel. It is important to realize, however, that each airline has specific rules that make up your contract of carriage. These rules may differ among carriers. They include provisions such as check-in deadlines, refund procedures, responsibility for delayed flights, and many other things.

Domestic Travel

For domestic travel, an airline may provide all of its contract terms on or with your ticket at the time you buy it. Some small "commuter" carriers use this system. Other airlines may elect to "incorporate terms by reference." This means that you are not given all the airline's rules with your ticket - most of them are contained in a separate document which you can inspect on request or on the airline’s web site. If an airline elects to "incorporate by reference" it must provide conspicuous written notice with each ticket that: 1) it incorporates terms by reference, and 2) these terms may include liability limitations, claim-filing deadlines, check-in deadlines, and certain other key terms. The airline must also:

• Ensure that passengers can receive an explanation of key terms identified on the ticket from any location where the carrier's tickets are sold, including travel agencies;
• Make available for inspection the full text of its contract of carriage at each of its own airport and city ticket offices;
• Mail a free copy of the full text of its contract of carriage upon request.

DOT also requires most U.S.airlines to post their contracts of carriage on their web site, if they have one.

There are additional notice requirements for contract terms that affect your air fare. Airlines must provide a conspicuous written notice on or with the ticket concerning any "incorporated" contract terms that restrict refunds, impose monetary penalties, or permit the airline to raise the price after you've bought the ticket.

If an airline incorporates contract terms by reference and fails to provide you the required notice about a particular rule, you will not be bound by that rule. In addition, a DOT rule prohibits airlines from changing a term in your contract after you buy your ticket if the change will have a significant negative effect on you.

International Travel

Not all of the detailed requirements for disclosing domestic contract terms apply to international travel. Where they do not, the airline must keep a copy of its "tariff" rules at its airport and city ticket offices. On flights to or from the U.S., you have a right to examine these rules.

The most important point to remember, whether your travel is domestic or international, is that you should not be afraid to ask questions about a carrier's rules. You have a right to know the terms of your contract of carriage. It is in your best interest, as well as that of the airline, for you to ask in advance about any matters of uncertainty.  

Unlike most products, travel services usually have to be paid for before they are delivered. This creates opportunities for disreputable individuals and companies. Some travel packages turn out to be very different from what was presented or what the consumer expected. Some don't materialize at all! If you receive an offer by phone or mail for a free or extremely low-priced vacation trip to a popular destination (often Hawaii or Florida), there are a few things you should look for:

• Does the price seem too good to be true? If so, it probably is.
• Are you pressured to make an immediate decision?
• Is the carrier simply identified as "a major airline," or does the representative offer a collection of airlines without being able to say which one you will be on?
• Is the representative unable or unwilling to give you a street address for the company?
• Are you told you can't leave for at least two months? (The legal deadline for disputing a credit card charge is 60 days, and most scam artists know this.)

If you encounter any of these symptoms, proceed cautiously. Ask for written information to be sent to you; any legitimate travel company will be happy to oblige. If they don't have a brochure, ask for a day or two to think it over; most bona fide deals that are good today will still be good two days from now. If they say no to both requests, this probably isn't the trip for you. Some other advice:

• If you are told that you've won a free vacation, ask if you have to buy something else in order to get it. Some packages have promoted free air fare, as long as you buy expensive hotel arrangements. Others include a free hotel stay, but no air fare.
• If you are seriously considering the vacation offer and are confident you have established the full price you will pay, compare the offer to what you might obtain elsewhere. Frequently, the appeal of free air fare or free accommodations disguises the fact that the total price is still higher than that of a regular package tour.
• Get a confirmed departure date, in writing, before you pay anything. Eye skeptically any promises that an acceptable date will be arranged later. If the package involves standby or waitlist travel, or a reservation that can only be provided much later, ask if your payment is refundable if you want to cancel, and don't pay any money you can't afford to lose.
• If the destination is a beach resort, ask the seller how far the hotel is from the beach. Then ask the hotel.
• Determine the complete cost of the trip in dollars, including all service charges, taxes, processing fees, etc.
• If you decide to buy the trip after checking it out, paying by credit card gives you certain legal rights to pursue a chargeback (credit) if promised services aren't delivered.

For further advice, see "Other Sources of Information" at the end of this brochure for details on how to order the Federal Trade Commission's pamphlet Telemarketing Travel Fraud.

Flying is a routine activity for millions of Americans, and raises no health considerations for the great majority of them. However, there are certain things you can do to ensure that your flight is as comfortable as possible. Changes in pressure can temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing your ears to 'pop' or to experience a sensation of fullness. To equalize the pressure, swallow frequently; chewing gum sometimes helps. Yawning is also effective. Avoid sleeping during descent; you may not swallow often enough to keep ahead of the pressure change.

Babies are especially troubled by these pressure changes during descent. Having them feed from a bottle or suck on a pacifier will often provide relief. Avoid flying if you have recently had abdominal, eye or oral surgery, including a root canal. The pressure changes that occur during climb and descent can result in discomfort. If you have an upper respiratory or sinus infection, you may also experience discomfort resulting from pressure changes. Postpone your trip if possible. (Check to see if your fare has cancellation or change penalties.) A final tip on pressure changes: they cause your feet to swell. Try not to wear new or tight shoes while flying.

Alcohol and coffee both have a drying effect on the body. Airliner cabin air is relatively dry to begin with, and the combination can increase your chances of contracting a respiratory infection. If you wear contact lenses, the low cabin humidity and/or consumption of alcohol or coffee can reduce your tear volume, leading to discomfort if you don't blink often enough. Lens wearers should clean their lenses thoroughly before the flight, use lubricating eye drops during the flight, read in intervals, and take the lenses out if they nap. (This may not apply to extended wear lenses; consult your practitioner.) If you take prescription medications, bring enough to last through your trip. Take along a copy of the prescription, or your doctor's name and telephone number, in case the medication is lost or stolen. The medicine should be in the original prescription bottle in order to avoid questions at security or Customs inspections. Carry it in a pocket or a carry-on bag; don't pack it in a checked bag, in case the bag is lost.

You can minimize the effects of jet lag in several ways:

Get several good nights' sleep before your trip.

Try to take a flight that arrives at night, so you can go straight to bed.

Sleep on the plane (although not during descent).

During the flight do isometric exercises, eat lightly, and drink little or no alcohol.

A condition known as Deep Venous Thrombosis can occur in some people who don’t exercise their legs for several hours ? for example, during an airline flight. Consider walking up and down the aisle once or twice, and search the web for exercises that you can do at your seat to minimize the risk of developing this condition during a flight.

Try to use a rest room in the airport terminal before departure. On some flights the cabin crew begins beverage service shortly after the "Fasten Seat Belts" sign is turned off, and the serving cart may block access to the lavatories.

Air travel is so safe you'll probably never have to use any of the advice we're about to give you. But if you ever do need it, this information could save your life. Airline passengers usually take safety for granted when they board an airplane. They tune out the crew's pre-flight announcements or reach for a magazine instead of the cards that show how to open the emergency exit and what to do if the oxygen mask drops down. Because of this, people may be needlessly hurt or killed in accidents they could survive. Every time you board a plane, here are some things you should do:

Carry-on bags must be properly stowed in overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Be careful about what you put into the storage bins over your seat. Their doors may pop open during an accident or even a hard landing, spilling their contents. Also, passengers in aisle seats have been injured by heavy items falling out of these compartments when people are stowing or retrieving belongings at the beginning or end of a flight.

As soon as you sit down, fasten and unfasten your seat belt a couple of times. Watch how it works. In an emergency you don't want to waste time fumbling with the buckle.

Before take-off, there will be a briefing about safety procedures, pointing out emergency exits and explaining seat belts, life vests and oxygen masks. Listen carefully and if there's anything you don't understand ask the flight attendants for help.

The plastic card in the seat pocket in front of you will review some of the safety information announced by the flight attendant. Read it. It also tells you about emergency exits and how to find and use emergency equipment such as oxygen masks. As you're reading the card look for your closest emergency exit, and count the number of rows between yourself and this exit. Remember, the closest exit may be behind you. Have a second escape route planned in case the nearest exit is blocked. This is important because people sometimes head for the door they used to board the plane, usually in the front of the first class cabin. This wastes time and blocks the aisles. If the oxygen masks should drop, you must tug the plastic tube slightly to get the oxygen flowing. If you don't understand the instructions about how the mask works, ask a flight attendant to explain them to you.

When the plane is safely in the air, the pilot usually turns off the "fasten seat belt" sign. He or she usually suggests that passengers keep their belts buckled anyway during the flight in case the plane hits rough air. This is a good idea; there have been a number of instances of unexpected turbulence in which unbelted passengers were seriously injured and even killed when they were thrown about the cabin. Just as seat belts should always be worn in cars, in airplanes they should always be fastened when you are in your seat.

If you are ever in an aviation accident, you should remember these things:

Listen to the crew members and do what they say. The cabin crew's most important job is to help you evacuate safely.

Before you try to open any emergency exit yourself, look outside the window. If you see a fire outside the door, don't open it or the flames may spread into the cabin. Try to use your alternate escape route.

Remember, smoke rises. So try to stay down if there's smoke in the cabin. Follow the track of emergency lights embedded in the floor; they lead to an exit. If you have a cloth, put it over your nose and mouth.

After an air accident, the National Transportation Safety Board always talks to survivors to try to learn why they were able to make it through safely. They've discovered that, as a rule, it does help to be prepared. Avoiding serious injury or surviving an air accident isn't just a matter of luck; it's also a matter of being informed and thinking ahead.

Are you one of those people who jumps up while the aircraft is still taxiing, gathers up coat, suitcase and briefcase, and gets ready to sprint? If so, resist the urge. Planes sometimes make sudden stops when they are taxiing to the airport gate, and passengers have been injured when they were thrown onto a seat back or the edge of a door of an overhead bin. Stay in your seat with your belt buckled until the plane comes to a complete halt and the 'fasten seat belt' sign is turned off.

Never smoke in airplane restrooms. Smoking was banned there after an accident killed 116 people in only 4 minutes, apparently because a careless smoker left a burning cigarette butt in the trash bin. There is a steep fine for disabling a lavatory smoke detector.

Security procedures are administered by the Transportation Security Administration, an agency of the Department of Homeland Security.  For more information, go to  www.tsa.gov  and click "For Travelers."  Note in particular the identification provisions, and restrictions concerning carry-on baggage (particularly the "3-1-1" procedure for liquids and gels in carry-on bags), and the list of prohibited items.  At this writing, cabin baggage is generally limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item (e.g. purse, briefcase, camera bag, laptop computer). 

DOT rules require U.S. airlines to provide information on how to file a complaint with the carrier. This information must appear on their web sites, on all e-ticket confirmations, and upon request at any of the airline’s ticket counters or gates. When passengers comment on airline service, most airlines do listen. They track and analyze the complaints and compliments they receive and use the information to determine what the public wants and to identify problem areas that need attention. They also try to resolve individual complaints. A DOT rule requires that airlines acknowledge a written complaint within 30 days and send a substantive response within 60 days of receiving the complaint.

Like other businesses, airlines have a lot of discretion in how they respond to problems. While you do have certain rights as a passenger, your demands for compensation will probably be subject to negotiation and the kind of action you get often depends in large part on the way you go about complaining. Start with the airline. Before you contact DOT for help with an air travel problem, you should give the airline a chance to resolve it. As a rule, airlines have trouble-shooters at the airports (they're usually called Customer Service Representatives) who can take care of many problems on the spot. They can often arrange meals and hotel rooms for stranded passengers, write checks for denied boarding compensation, arrange luggage resolutions, and settle other routine claims or complaints

If you can't resolve the problem at the airport and want to file a complaint, it's best to write or email the airline's consumer office at its corporate headquarters. DOT requires most U.S. airlines to state on their web sites how and where complaints can be submitted. There may be a form on the airline’s web site for this purpose. Take notes at the time the incident occurred and jot down the names of the carrier employees with whom you dealt. Keep all of your travel documents (ticket or confirmation, baggage check stubs, boarding pass, etc.) as well as receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses that were incurred as a result of the mishandling. Here are some helpful tips should you choose to write.

• If you send a letter, type it and, if at all possible, limit it to two pages.
• Include your daytime telephone number (with area code).
• No matter how angry you might be, keep your letter or email businesslike in tone and don't exaggerate what happened. If the complaint sounds very vehement or sarcastic, you might wait a day and then consider revising it.
• Describe what happened, and give dates, cities, and flight numbers or flight times.
• Where possible, include copies, never the originals, of tickets and receipts or other documents that can back up your claim.
• Include the names of any employees who were rude or made things worse, as well as anyone who might have been especially helpful.
• Don't clutter your complaint with a litany of petty gripes that can obscure what you're really angry about.
• Let the airline know if you've suffered any special inconvenience or monetary losses.
• Say just what you expect the carrier to do to make amends. An airline may offer to settle your claim with a check or some other kind of compensation, possibly free transportation. You might want a written apology from a rude employee or reimbursement for some loss you incurred ? but the airline needs to know what you want before it can decide what action to take.
• Be reasonable. If your demands are way out of line, you are rude or sarcastic, or you use vulgar language, at best your letter might earn you a polite apology and a place in the airline's crank files.

If you follow these guidelines, the airlines will probably treat your complaint seriously. Your letter will help them to determine what caused your problem, as well as to suggest actions the company can take to keep the same thing from happening to other people.

Contacting the Department of Transportation (DOT)

Complaints about airline service may be registered with DOT's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection. You can call, write or use our web-based complaint form .

You may contact DOT by phone at 202-366-2220 for information related to a consumer related problem.  Please know that in order for a case to be processed as a complaint, it must be submitted in writing. You may send DOT correspondence by mail at the address below:

Office of Aviation Consumer Protection U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20590

When mailing a letter, please include your full address and phone number as well as complete and accurate information about your trip and the problem you had or are having.

To send us a complaint, comment or inquiry electronically, please use our web form .

Complaints from consumers help us spot problem areas and trends in the airline industry. We use our complaint files to document the need for changes in DOT's consumer protection regulations and, where warranted, as the basis for enforcement action (i.e., where a serious breach of the law has occurred). In addition, every month we publish a report with information about the number of complaints we receive about each airline and what problems people are having. You can find this Air Travel Consumer Report on our web site.  That publication also has statistics that the airlines file with us on flight delays, oversales and mishandled baggage.

If your complaint is about something you feel is a safety hazard, write to the Federal Aviation Administration at:

Or call 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322).

Questions or concerns about aviation security should be directed to the  Transportation Security Administration :

Phone (toll-free): 1-866-289-9673

E-mail:  [email protected]

Or write to:

Your Last Resort

If nothing else works, small claims court might be the best way for you to help yourself. Many localities have these courts to settle disputes involving relatively small amounts of money and to reduce the red tape and expense that people generally fear when they sue someone. An airline can generally be sued in small claims court in any jurisdiction where it operates flights or does business. You can usually get the details of how to use the small claims court in your community by contacting your city or county office of consumer affairs, or the clerk of the court. As a rule, small claims court costs are low, you don't need a lawyer, and the procedures are much less formal and intimidating than they are in most other types of courts. See the DOT publication  Tell It to the Judge .

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AIG Travel Guard insurance review: What you need to know

Whether you need an annual plan or a policy for a last-minute trip, travel guard can deliver..

Travel Guard is one of CNBC Select 's picks for best travel insurance , thanks to its wide range of customizable policies. But are any of them right for you? Below, we review the provider and its offers and how they compare to the competition to help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel Guard review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, travel guard® travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

24/7 assistance available

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last-minute trip coverage to more comprehensive plans. This allows travelers to pick a plan that best matches their situation.

For example, budget-minded travelers might go for the Essential Plan which offers basic protections, such as trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, coverage for lost, damaged and delayed baggage, and medical, evacuation and death coverage.

On the other hand, the Deluxe Plan — the most comprehensive option — adds such extras as missed connection coverage, security evacuation, travel inconvenience benefits and more. It also boosts high limits for essential coverages.

Last-minute travelers can opt for the Pack N' Go Plan which only includes certain post-departure coverages. Or, if you travel often, the Annual Plan can cover your trips throughout the year.

Finally, Travel Guard offers "offline" travel insurance packages, meaning you'll have to call if you're looking for a specialty plan.

Coverage types

Depending on the plan, here are the types of protection Travel Guard can include in your package:

• Trip cancellations
• Trip interruption
• Baggage coverage
• Baggage delay
• Travel medical expenses
• Travel inconvenience benefits (reimbursement for such situations as runway delays, cruise diversion and other unforeseen situations)
• Medical evacuation
• Trip Saver (reimbursement for meals, hotels and transportation if you need to begin your trip sooner due to weather or airline changes)
• Trip exchange (reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip and book a new one due to covered unforeseen circumstances)
• Security evacuation (due to a riot or civil disorder)
• Flight guard (coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs when traveling by plane)
• Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver

You can also customize your plan with add-ons, such as car rental insurance and "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel Guard landed on our list of the best travel insurance companies thanks to its variety of coverage. With plenty of options to choose from, both online and offline, it's easy to build a policy that meets your needs.

Travel Guard also features 24-hour concierge services that you can use to book a new flight in case of an emergency or delay.

The provider's website also offers informational resources — here, you can check travel news, read safety tips and find general travel advice. Additionally, the website lets you modify your plan, file a claim and check its status, or apply for a voucher or refund.

As of writing, Travel Guard doesn't offer any discounts. That's common for travel insurance — you're more likely to find deals when shopping for other types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance .

Travel Guard is a portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services offered by AIG Travel, a member of American International Group (AIG). AIG also offers life insurance and a variety of business insurance products.

Travel Guard makes it easy to get a travel insurance policy customized to your needs. But before you purchase coverage, it's always a good idea to shop around.

For example, if you're going on a cruise, you might want to look at Nationwide Travel Insurance . The provider advertises cruise-specific insurance with three plan options available. This type of coverage is designed with issues unique to cruises in mind — from ship-based breakdowns to missed pre-pard excursions.

If you're planning a more active trip filled with rock climbing or sky diving, Berkshire Hathaway offers the AdrenalineCare® plan which features coverage for unforeseen costs that result from participating in extreme sports on your trip, as well as reimbursement for sporting equipment delay. Pre-existing conditions are covered under this plan (if you meet qualifying conditions).

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

As you can see, offerings vary by provider. It can be helpful to compare multiple companies and the plans they offer to find what works best for you. It's even better if you gather several quotes to ensure you're getting a good price for your policy.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Travel Guard offers plenty of ways to customize your policy, making it a solid choice for travel insurance. You can also access additional options by giving Travel Guard a call. However, make sure to check out other travel insurance companies too — comparison shopping is essential when picking any type of financial product.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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Romanian consumer protection body begins investigation into Temu and Shein

By bne IntelliNews

Romania’s consumer protection agency ANPC has taken action to verify e-commerce sites and applications that operate the huge Chinese online marketplaces, Temu and Shein, as widely reported in the Romanian media .

ANPC reportedly suspects violations of legislation regarding product safety and consumer protection through tactics such as inauthentic discounts, aggressive practices, pressure selling and gamification.

According to a press statement issued on the ongoing investigations on Temu and Shein, ANPC essentially recommended users read the fine print, when buying from Temu or Shein, and in general, take care.

The consumer protection body says it can provide help for suppliers registered in Romania (if any, which is unlikely) while the relevant European body can offer similar help for EU-registered suppliers. For the rest of the suppliers, the vast majority of which are based in China, the consumers are left with the option of checking for the Chinese consumer protection authority.

Although it sells products in Romania, their quality, place of origin, and control over the order cannot be verified by a Romanian consumer, according to Curs de Guvernare after an investigation into the terms of trade imposed by the two marketplaces.

ANPC, however, announced it will attempt to carry out such verifications.

In the past, ANPC’s technical expertise proved quite limited in less technical markets such as banking (loan interest rate scandal) or food retail (the dyed poultry scandal).

ANPC is not the only official body late in checking the activity of Temu and Shein in Romania. According to Curs de Guvernare , the representatives of the National Authority for Communications Administration and Regulation (ANCOM) said that until this moment Temu has not been authorised in Romania.

'We don't even think there is a need for authorisation because the platform does not do digital communication or postal activities,' according to the authority's press office.

Temu entered Romania in autumn 2023. Now, the Facebook page has over 104,000 followers and the Instagram account has 5,000 followers. However, Temu is not registered in Romania.

Last month, Hungary's Competition Office (GVH) announced the launch of a procedure against Whaleco Technology , the European operator of Temu, two weeks after launching a probe.