There is good news for every consumer up in arms at the rising fuel costs the world over: it's called travel insurance. Although travel insurance won't be able to help you find a car with better gas mileage or transport groceries to your local store more efficiently, it is able to make up for some of the heavy financial burden that falls on today's airlines.
Due in large part to rising fuel prices, the cost of flight to airlines has risen 91 percent since 2000. The price to the consumer, although significantly greater, is not nearly that steep. The thanks for this goes to airline cutbacks and restructuring. Unfortunately, although airline cutbacks might keep overhead costs to the consumer low, other aspects of the airline industry suffer.
Today, most airlines have fewer luggage handlers and other personnel. Fewer people to keep track of your luggage increases the chance that it will get lost, stolen, or even broken. This also means that you have a higher chance for delays or problems at the ticket counter, since airlines might be understaffed.
In addition, there is greater opportunity for flight cancellation. In order to offset many of the fuel costs, airlines try to travel with a full plane each time. This increases their head count and total profit, while utilizing the same amount of fuel as a plane that is half as full. Should you find yourself on a flight that isn't as popular as the airline would prefer, your flight may get bumped or even cancelled.
Another way many airlines make up the difference in cost is by offering nonrefundable fares. These fares are usually offered at a lower rate, tempting travelers who may be confronted with a budget. However, the airline makes it big when that traveler then has to cancel for an emergency or personal scheduling difficulty.
It might seem like a pretty bleak outlook as far as travel is concerned. Fortunately, travel insurance companies have stepped in to pick up where the airlines left off. Comprehensive travel insurance providers do everything in their power to make sure that these sorts of problems are never insurmountable.
For example, delays in air travel, which might result in hotel cancellations or nonrefundable vacation destination packages when you don't show up on time, are often covered by travel insurance.
A cancelled flight, whether instigated by the airline or by an unforeseen personal circumstance, can be quickly handled. Should you be unable to continue your vacation, you may be entitled to a full refund by your travel insurance provider.
Money invested in nonrefundable security deposits can be back in your hands.
The most common airline oversight-losing your luggage-is also taken care of by travel insurance. You won't have to spend your entire trip tracking down what is rightfully yours.
Rising fuel and airline costs are a burden to everyone, but disastrous trips don't have to be. Getting travel insurance is about more than covering yourself in the event of an emergency; good travel insurance providers can ensure that even the smallest airline cutbacks don't become your problem.
By Josh Felder, an enthusiastic traveller and writer who offers his writing services on a freelance basis. For more information on Australian travel insurance or to book discount cover online, please visit the Travel Insurance Au website http://www.travelinsuranceau.com.au. Though the above article has a different slant, it emphasizes the need to have insurance cover when travelling nationally or internationally.