In the face of Tropical Storm Isaac that is expected to hit Puerto Rico and South Florida within the next couple of days, Mike Kelly, CEO of travel assistance company On Call International, is sharing his top tips for travelers trapped by a serious travel delay. Kelly offers a reminder that travel delays can quickly turn into an unplanned, extended stay, costing thousands of dollars per traveler.
Kelly's tips:
• Stay Informed – Airlines begin preparing days in advance for hurricanes and 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,” states Kelly.
• Stay Prepared – Remaining “in the know” is the key to navigating any disaster. 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 notes.
• Stay A Step Ahead – Emergencies are far too common, Kelly notes. With travel, medical and security assistance services, travelers’ trips can be cut short instantly. When a disaster strikes travelers 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.
Visit www.oncallinternational.com