Have You Noticed It's Hurricane Season?
By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large
September 29, 2004
Unless you're an eager storm-chaser, most people would describe this hurricane season as horrendous. It's proving to be the worst in decades, showing little mercy for weather-weary Floridians and many of the surrounding states. Not since 1886 have so many hurricanes hit one state in a single season. All this weather is causing mayhem for many a business and leisure traveler. The worst news is the season isn't over for another month yet. While I can't forecast the weather between now and then, I can provide some help in dealing with whatever Mother Nature hurls in your path.
The first thing to note is that no two hurricanes are alike, and so the response may be different for each. Don't assume anything. For instance, that non-refundable ticket you're holding may not be exactly that. Airlines have been making exceptions for such tickets in this weather. So even if you haven't gotten a preemptive call from your carrier or travel agency, you'll want to check before heading to the airport to see if your plane is on time, if it's still flying, or if you can opt for a one-time change. Checking your options can save you a lot of hassle.
Remember that these kinds of unexpected events drive high call volumes to customer service agents, so often it's easier to access information by going to your agency Website or the carrier Website than hanging on the phone enduring lengthy wait times.
If you're cruising, and the weather hits your destination, you most likely have insurance to offset such upsets. However the recent 1-2-3-4 wallops from hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne put cruise retailers into an unprecedented assistance mode. Never before have they offered so many vouchers or money back offers to passengers; they've also offered alternate itineraries to honor sailings booked with cruises to nowhere and rescheduled countless reservations. The bottom line for consumers is that the major cruise lines are eager to keep their passengers both safe and happy.
As always, for extra protection, guaranteed travel insurance is your best bet. Generally you'll find that coverage for natural disasters and bad weather kicks in when it affects your destination or origination for at least 24 hours. You'll likely also be covered if your travel delay eats into half of your trip. Trip delay is invoked when bad weather delays your travel for more than six hours.
If you're headed out of town in bad weather
- Call ahead and check for schedule changes and delays before heading out.
- Whenever possible, pack light. Checked luggage complicates things when you're rescheduling on the fly.
- Always carry a fully-charged cell phone and the 800-number for your airline.
- If weather causes you to miss your cruise, call your travel insurance provider to help you catch up at the next port.
- A few handy things to have in your suitcase are: a small battery operated alarm clock and radio, a pocket flashlight, an emergency cash stash, a power bar or two, and a notepad or book.
When you're traveling, it's always best to expect the unexpected. When you're prepared for that, you can handle just about anything--even a hurricane that's hurled your way.
For the most recent travel news check out Amy Ziff's Travel Tips from AtoZ at www.travelocity.com/atoz. If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at ask.amy@travelocity.com ask.amy@travelocity.com. Come back monthly to see if your question has been answered.
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