Flight delays, excess baggage fees, long check-in counter queues and other travel inconveniences

Who has not experienced the inconveniences of flight delays and other airline travel disappointments? I can just remember how I felt so overwhelmed with frustration when mom and I rushed to the Airphil Express check-in counter only to be met by an uncaring lady telling me the counter was already closed. There were other passengers after us who were also refused for the same flight and were completely upset that we were not given consideration despite having arrived just few minutes after they closed.

Another unforgettable incident was few years ago at the Cebu Pacific check-in counter where I had to pay for excess baggage because we were not advised by the travel agent that the free check-in baggage allowance was already downgraded to 15 kilograms instead of the usual 20 kilograms. Mom and I both had 20 kilograms for our check-in luggage which we carefully weighed before the flight. So having to pay for the excess of 10 kilograms was quite too much. I think their new free baggage allowance limit was not yet widely announced that time so most passengers, including us, still thought it was the usual 20 kilograms.

If you remember the volcanic ash crisis in Europe last year, it was another reason for so many flights being postponed including my brother-in-law who had to be on standby for many days waiting for the latest travel advisory. There were many other travel inconveniences that I can remember, from the funny and awkward incidents to disappointing trip scenarios.

Some travel situations though can put the passengers’ safety at risk, thus it’s essential that one is covered with travel insurance especially for international travel, whether it’s an all inclusive Egypt vacation or a Caribbean cruise package. There are many budget travel insurance packages these days, a traveler may get information from travel insurance review websites and compare among the many providers. For those going on international travel, note that most embassies, for instance, require travel insurance when accepting visa applications. Some embassies have a list of approved travel insurance companies so better choose from their recommendations to enable your visa to have more chances for faster processing and approval.

When buying travel insurance, it is one’s responsibility to read the fine print. The travel insurance policy purchased should cover most trip-related accidents and other misfortunes such as cancelled flights, lost luggage and other unexpected situations. With the help of travel insurance review articles and recommendations from seasoned travelers, one can learn and understand more when comparing and choosing which budget travel insurance policy to decide on that would meet one’s specific travel needs. As one spends a lot on vacation, it’s also a must to financially protect that investment with travel insurance.