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WITH FLIGHT DELAYS MORE COMMON THAN EVER AS SPRING BREAK APPROACHES, TRAVEL GUARD HELPS TRAVELERS STAY ON COURSE Travel Guard Saw 114% Increase in Calls for Assistance with Flight Delays in 2007 Stevens Point, WI – (March 19, 2008) – Air travel has been a headache for travelers over the past year, and there is no indication that the situation is going to improve any time soon. As many school spring breaks coincide with the Easter holiday which falls earlier than ever this year, those planning spring break trips to warm weather destinations might be traveling during the peak winter storm season – and a prime time for flight delays and cancellations. Travelers planning spring break vacations should help prepare themselves in the case of air travel hassles by purchasing a travel insurance plan through Travel Guard (www.travelguard.com) ahead of time. The year 2007 was among the worst for airline delays and cancellations, and 2008 has not started any better, according to new statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In 2007, flight delays climbed past 26 percent – the second worst on record – and new data shows that nearly one-third of commercial flights in the U.S. arrived late or were cancelled in January 2008.* Forty-four percent of flight delays and cancellations in January 2008 were weather-related, and the threat of winter storms can continue well into April. Travel Guard, one of the nation’s largest providers of travel insurance and assistance services plans, saw a 114 percent increase in calls for assistance with flight delays and cancellations in 2007 over 2006. While delays, cancellations and missed connections can throw any trip into chaos, Travel Guard helps insureds find relief with the travel assistance services included in their comprehensive travel insurance plans. *(Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Air Travel Consumer Report, February 2008)
"While many people consider travel insurance plans typically for trip cancellation or emergency medical coverage, increasingly it’s the lesser-known coverages, such as reimbursement for additional expenses due to travel delays and interruptions for covered reasons, or assistance in re-booking flights or hotel accommodations that are being tapped,” said Dan McGinnity, vice president of Travel Guard.
Most retail travel insurance plans through Travel Guard provide reimbursement for accommodations and expenses incurred due to travel delays for covered reasons; as well as LiveTravel, an around-the-clock emergency travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights and making hotel and rental car reservations. The travel assistance services provided by Travel Assist can provide comfort to travelers, knowing that help is just a phone call away in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. Comprehensive travel insurance and assistance services plans available through Travel Guard can be purchased online at www.travelguard.com, through Travel Guard’s 24-hour World Service Center (800-826-1300), or from one of the more than 12,000 travel agencies who offer Travel Guard plans.
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Travel Guard is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States. Travel insurance through Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most Travel Guard plans also include 24-hour travel emergency service* for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more- The travel Insurance plans offered through Travel Guard are underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa, with its principal place of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. All coverages may not available in all states. *Non insurance services are provided by Travel Guard Assist.
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