International Benefits Travelogue

The Airline Passenger Bill of Rights Act of 2009 was re-introduced in the Senate (S.213) on January 12, 2009,
by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), and in the House of Representatives (H.R.624) on January 21, 2009, by Rep. Mike
Thompson (D-CA). The legislation aims to improve airline customer service commitment by enacting minimum
standards for long on-board tarmac delays, as well as to improve the health and safety of passengers and crew under
such circumstances.

The U.S. Department of Transportation passengers’ bill of rights goes into effect on April 1st.

It requires that:

• Domestic flights carriers must let passengers get off the plane if they’ve been sitting on the tarmac for three hours.

• Airlines must provide food and water within two hours.

• cabin ventilation and comfortable cabin temperature.

• Access to necessary medical treatment.

• Airlines must provide workable toilets.

• If they don’t follow these rules, they might be fined $27,500 per passenger.

In 2007-08, passengers on 1,500 flights were forced to sit on the tarmac for more than three hours, according to the DOT.

IMG has “representatives in Haiti and we are working with service providers and military personnel in coordinating medical evacuations of several of our customers that require immediate treatment for life-threatening injuries.”

“We’re currently working with cases of those severely injured and are expecting to see additional requests from those not wounded by the earthquake, but who fall ill with the ongoing impact of food and water shortages,” said Dr. Hart.

IMG assures us that  “Whatever it takes to get our customers taken care of is our focus right now. As we were during the tsunami in South Asia and other global disasters, we are fully equipped and prepared to help our customers. Their safety is our number one priority.”

Make sure your next trip is has adequate insurance coverage by getting a quote from International Benefits.

“Trying to save money by not taking out travel insurance is a false economy, warns Sean Tipton, spokesperson at ABTA – The Travel Association.”
He urges travelers to carefully consider their insurance options.  Are your medical expenses covered?  Are there any exclusions?
It’s unlikely you are going to need a multimillion-dollar level of cover but that’s the point of insurance,  you’re covering yourself for the worst case scenario, while away from home.
Everyone should consider Travel Insurance.  Make sure all your needs are understood and all eventualities are covered.

Have you considered while dropping your baggage onto the scale for weighing at the airline’s agent desk that it may be among those that will turn up “lost in the system”?

Have a look at this link to an article by Daniel Michaels about Andrew Price head of “Baggage Improvement Program a five-year global campaign launched by the International Air Transport Association, an airline trade group in Geneva that is trying to help members step up their luggage game.”

Airlines’ Expert on Missing Bags Fights Lost Cause!

1. Flight Canceled.
2. Got Sick.
3. Your bags are lost.
4. Weather forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise ship.
5. Airline or Cruise line goes bankrupt
6. Your involved in an accident and you need adequate medical coverage.
7. Say your wallet or passport is stolen or lost and you need cash and replacement passport.

We highly recommend medical evacuation and repatriation insurance for anyone who travels.  It’s paid annually.  It’s the one insurance you need to carry and hope you never have to use, but if you do, it’s more than worth it.  The insurance pays to get you treated and then flown out if you get sick or injured. Get a fast quote for trip cancellation or interruption insurance at InternationalBenefits.com

Make sure the insurance you get allows you to be treated by a physician and hospital of your choice.  Not all insurance plans have this option.  Never buy insurance from your travel provider. Get a quote for Expatriate Medical, Kidnap or Ransom Insurance or Evacuation Insurance.

Many travelers expect that when they travel with an EU health card (EHIC) they are fully covered as they would be in their own country. The surprise can come in countries such as Portugal,France,Switzerland and Spain where there can be a large co-pay  instead of all bills being covered. Repatriation  to get back to your own country  Buying travel medical insurance is a must even for Europeans traveling in Europe.

Take a Cruise

This is the time to take advantage of the cruise  industry  while introducing  bigger, better ships and raising standards on product delivery. At the same time, ticket prices are dropping lower than ever due to our flat economy. We are seeing seven-day Caribbean cruises being offered as low as $399 per person this coming winter; year-end sales; and two-for-one pricing for 2010.

Don’t forget to cover your financial investment! Trip cancellation insurance is the perfect trip accessory.  It covers your non-refundable, prepaid trip expenses if you are not able to go on your trip.  It will even cover the financial default of your travel provider if you purchase your plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

Don’t forget to cover your trip! It’s probably the 2nd most important thing when making your travel plans – 2nd only to the plans themselves.