Americans Fear Holiday Travel Snafus

Ninety-three percent of Americans believe travel-related problems increase during the peak holiday season, according to a survey by the US Travel Insurance Association. The survey also revealed that more than a quarter of the 1,000 respondents believe airlines would reimburse any losses, which is untrue, noted Brad Finkle, USTIA's president. "Airlines are not required to reimburse travelers for delays caused by bad weather or natural events, and policies vary in regard to delayed and damaged baggage," he said. Finkle noted that 60 percent of those surveyed believed having travel insurance would give them peace of mind while traveling this holiday season. More than 67 million people purchased travel insurance policies last year, an increase of 20 percent in two years, he added. Visit [www.ustia.org]. (JM)