On Call International Offers Travel Tips for Winter Storm Nemo

blizzardWhen weather takes a turn for the worst, like the current blizzard in the Northeast, a travel delay for any traveler can quickly turn into an unplanned, extended stay, costing thousands of dollars per traveler, On Call International notes. 

According to the web site FlightAware, more than 2,200 flights have been cancelled- the majority originating or departing from areas affected by the storm, says Mike Kelly, CEO of travel assistance company On Call International.

Kelly's tips  for travelers impacted by a serious travel delay, include:

Stay Informed – Airlines begin preparing days in advance for large storms. If you are scheduled to fly before or after a storm, it is a good idea to check in with the airline carrier (either by phone or the web) a few days before departure for any changes in the itinerary; signing up for email notifications when booking flights are extremely helpful too. If a delay occurs when you are at the airport, stay in the vicinity of the departure kiosk as this is where flight updates are likely to be found.

 “I recommend turning to social media for up-to-date news and information. Twitter is a great resource for breaking news. Travelers can follow their airlines (@UnitedAirlines, etc.) as well as On Call International, at @OnCallIntl and other resources like CNN (@cnnbrk), the Weather Channel (@weatherchannel), and The New York Times (@nytimes)” states Kelly.

Stay Prepared – Remaining “in the know” is the key to navigating any disaster, Kelly says. With On Call’s pre-trip destination and health information services, available for travelers, On Call is prepared to evacuate members to safety or to appropriate medical care. On Call also offers support to members who find themselves trapped due to delays and will assist in switching flights and locating accommodations. Additional services include: translation assistance, lost luggage assistance, and travel document replacement, Kelly says.

 • Stay A Step Ahead – Emergencies are far too common these days. With travel, medical and security assistance services, travelers’ trips can be cut short instantly.  When a disaster strikes, travelers are already a step ahead - they can simply call On Call’s Global Response Center, where On Call’s 24/7/365 team of Assistance Coordinators can help coordinate any arrangements – from new hotel accommodations and flight arrangements to medical assistance and more.

Visit www.oncallinternational.com