The Transportation Security Administration reported a 10% increase in flyers this holiday season compared to 2021. This year’s demand, coupled with short-staffed airlines and winter storms grounding flights, created the perfect storm for major travel issues.
- Despite more planned travel, fewer travelers purchased travel insurance this season. Travel insurance sales over the holiday season dropped 45% in 2022 year-over-year. The drop is directly related to the COVID-19 Omicron variant that surged over the 2021 holiday season, with travelers concerned about getting sick before or during their trip.
- This season, travelers showed different concerns compared to years past, with a focus on airline-related disruptions over illness:
- Searches for Baggage Delay benefits increased by 120%.
- Missed Connection benefit searches went up by 174%.
- Hurricane and Weather coverage searches increased by 32%.
- There were 60% more searches for plans with 24-hour assistance.
Travel Insurance Tips for Winter Travel
Travelers planning a winter trip who haven’t departed yet, may want to consider travel insurance for benefits beyond Emergency Medical coverage. Trip Cancellation plans offer assistance for many weather related situations, including:
- Trip Cancellation: If a winter storm grounds your flight and forces you to not travel, Trip Cancellation benefits could help you recover your non-refundable trip costs, like cruise reservations and prepaid hotels.
- Trip Delay: When winter storms cancel or push flights back, Trip Delay benefits could pay for incidental expenses, such as meals or hotels.
- Missed Connection: Travel insurance could help you get caught up with your tour or cruise after it has departed. If a winter storm prevents you from arriving with your tour, Missed Connection benefits may cover the cost of reuniting with your vacation.
- Baggage Loss or Delay: Canceled flights can result in checked luggage getting left behind. Should your luggage not arrive at your destination, Baggage Delay can reimburse you for replacement phone chargers, emergency clothing, and toiletries. Baggage Loss can reimburse up to the policy limit should your baggage go missing indefinitely.
