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USA Today
7 days ago
- USA Today
Don't panic: A step-by-step guide to lost or delayed airline bags
Cruising Altitude is a weekly column about air travel. Have a suggestion for a future topic? Fill out the form or email me at the address at the bottom of this page. You arrive on vacation and you're waiting for your bags to show up on the belt. You wait. And you wait. And you wait some more. And eventually you realize they're not coming. Your bags have been lost, or at least delayed (I'll explain the difference later). Now what? As frustrating as it can be, you shouldn't panic, and you definitely shouldn't yell at any of the airline employees who are on hand to help you. You may be about to enter a vortex of claims forms and phone calls that can feel like something out of a dystopian novel, but none of the people you interact with are directly at fault, so proceed with politeness. The first thing you actually need to do, before you even leave the airport, is notify the airline that your bag didn't show up. After that, it's a good idea to know your rights and to keep your paperwork in order. Here's what to do if it happens to you. File a claim The first thing you need to do is make sure all the other bags from your flight have arrived. You're not going to get anywhere if you're just being impatient and want to get to your hotel faster and have your bags delivered later. But once you're certain your bags aren't in the airport, you need to start the claims process. 'Make a report,' Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip, told me. 'Obviously, they ask you to describe your bag or bags, they collect your airline info, so you want to have everything handy,' like your flight number, departure, and any connecting airports and information about where you're staying. Morrow said an airline lost her family's bags on a vacation they took a few years ago, and she found that the more information she was able to provide, the better. Keep your receipts The Department of Transportation requires airlines to reimburse passengers for 'reasonable, verifiable, and actual incidental expenses' that a traveler incurs as a result of an airline losing track of their bag. These are typically essentials like basic clothing and toiletries. 'Obviously, they're not going to cover something if you go crazy,' Morrow said, so don't go down to the luxury shops and buy a new designer bag, expecting the airline to pay for it. But when the time comes for reimbursements, you'll likely have to be able to prove what you spent. 'We went to the gift shop and bought toiletries and some other things. Keep all your receipts and everything you spend related to not having your luggage,' Morrow said. Airlines are also required to refund baggage fees for luggage they mishandle. Last week's Cruising Altitude: Is it cheaper to buy a roundtrip ticket or two one-ways? Stay in touch with your airline Once you've filed a claim, you should keep in touch with your airline about updates and about what's going to be needed for expense reimbursement once you are reunited with your luggage. Each airline has a slightly different process, so it's a good idea to talk to their representative when you make your report and check out the website's lost luggage section to learn more about your carrier's policy. Use technology to help Airlines are increasingly rolling out enhanced bag tracking tools. Many U.S. airlines now have Apple Find My capability integrated into their apps, meaning passengers can link AirTags with their reservations to help keep track of their bags. U.S. airlines that have this capability include: Reach out to your insurance Once you've been reunited with your bags, or they've officially been declared lost, you should also get in touch with your insurance company. Travel insurance may be able to help, but Morrow said homeowners' or renters' insurance may also cover some costs associated with lost or delayed luggage. She noted that insurance companies will usually only cover expenses over and above what the airline already covers, so it's important to file all your expenses with the airline itself first. After that, make sure you're taking advantage of the most generous policies available to you. 'People can overinsure, but you're not going to be able to make multiple claims on the same thing,' Morrow said. 'If you did get double coverage for some reason, I would look to whoever has the least exclusions, the best benefits.' Delayed vs lost bags Colloquially, most people probably think of bags that don't make it to where you're going at the same time as you and bags that are well and truly mislaid as 'lost,' but the DOT and international regulations draw a distinction between these two categories. More details are available on the agency's website, though the department doesn't specify an exact timeline for when bags are considered delayed versus permanently lost. According to the DOT, airlines are allowed to set their own policies on when a bag can be considered lost, which typically happens five to 14 days after the flight. Once bags are considered lost, airlines are required to reimburse passengers up to $4,700 for domestic flights, and up to (approximately) $1,700 for international flights, based on the value of the items lost, though carriers are free to reimburse at higher amounts.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
InsureMyTrip Explains Travel Insurance Options to Help Mitigate Vacation Risks
Warwick, RI, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As Americans confront a backdrop of economic uncertainty alongside high airfare and lodging costs, booking a summer getaway has become a high-stakes decision. The experts at InsureMyTrip recommend considering travel insurance to help protect both travelers' budgets and carefully laid plans. 'Consumers are telling us they're eager to travel but rising costs and uncertainty are forcing them to think twice,' said Suzanne Morrow, CEO at InsureMyTrip. 'Our latest data reveals a 10% increase in policy purchases for the first three months of 2025 compared to the last three months of 2024 – signaling that more travelers recognize insurance as an essential line of defense against unpredictable expenses.' Why Travel Insurance Is More Important Than Ever In today's volatile job market and inflation-driven economy, unexpected work or financial issues can easily derail your dream trip. That's where travel insurance can be a game-changer. Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) coverage is one of the most flexible and popular add-ons for travelers. This optional upgrade allows you to cancel your trip even if it's not typically covered – like fear of layoffs or second thoughts. Must be purchased soon after you put money down on a trip (usually within 14–21 days). Typically reimburses up to 50–75% of prepaid, non-refundable trip costs. Must cancel a trip at least 48 hours before departure to receive reimbursement. Cancel For Work Reasons coverage is available with select plans and helps protect against job-related trip cancellations: If you are terminated or laid off through no fault of your own, some plans may offer a refund – as long as you've been employed at the company for 1–3 years prior to the event. If your previously approved time off is revoked after buying the policy, you may also be covered under this benefit (proof from HR required). (Note: This usually does not apply to self-employed individuals.) More Reasons to Insure Your Trip Rising airfare, hotel, and excursion costs mean higher potential losses if your plans change at the last minute. Medical emergencies abroad can result in significant out-of-pocket costs without proper coverage. Lost luggage, trip delays, and weather-related interruptions are more common – and frustrating – than ever. Media Contact: Meghan Kayata Press@ About InsureMyTrip You like options. We do too. It's simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. As the authority on travel insurance, InsureMyTrip is committed to empowering travelers to make informed decisions by leveraging technology, data intelligence, and expertise. InsureMyTrip is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. SOURCE: InsureMyTrip CONTACT: Meghan Kayata InsureMyTrip in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
05-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
From affordability to safety: The 10 best cities for digital nomads 2025
From affordability to safety: The 10 best cities for digital nomads 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption Want to move abroad? These are the best countries for remote workers. Here are seven countries with digital nomad visas if you're looking to move abroad. When the digital nomad life calls your name, the big question becomes: Where to? Having the freedom and flexibility of remote work helps people turn their travel dreams into their everyday reality, even though it comes with its fair share of challenges. This live-work-play lifestyle has surged in popularity over recent years, with one in 10 U.S. workers now calling themselves a digital nomad, according to a 2024 study by MBO Partners. More destinations around the world – from Taiwan to Portugal – have started to introduce digital nomad visa offerings, creating an overwhelming array of options to choose from for a home base. When choosing where to go, remote workers need to take several things into consideration, like safety, Wi-Fi access, costs of living and even the logistics of obtaining one of those digital nomad visas. "The freedom of digital nomadism comes with unique challenges," said Suzanne Morrow, CEO of InsureMyTrip. "Having the right travel insurance acts as a safety net, protecting against unexpected medical emergencies, theft, trip disruptions, and more." To help decide on a destination, InsureMyTrip ranked the best cities for digital nomads based on factors such as each country's happiness score, average cost of living, U.S. State Department travel advisories, things to do and safety index using data gathered in September. Each ranked destination offers some form of a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to legally live and work there for a certain amount of time. Here are the top 10 cities for digital nomads in 2025: 10. San Jose, Costa Rica For digital nomads who want to experience "pura vida" – the country's feel-good slogan – the capital of Costa Rica makes an ideal home base. Travelers can post up in the city, where cafes and workspaces abound – and make weekend getaways to the coast for surfing and relaxing on the beach. 9. Podgorica, Montenegro Set along the Adriatic coastline, Montenegro is an under-the-radar Baltic destination with a multifaceted history spanning empires. This small yet diverse country boasts an array of natural beauty, from mountain ranges to lakes. Its capital, Podgorica, is known to be highly walkable and blends the old with the new to offer modern cafes near Ottoman-era mosques in its old town. 8. Buenos Aires, Argentina Buenos Aires has become a top destination for digital nomads, who are drawn to its vibrant culture and nightlife, warm climate and affordable cost of living. There's always something to do in the city's diverse neighborhoods, from tango dancing to wandering the various markets or museums or escaping to nature for a quick day trip to a beach or national park. 7. Nicosia, Cyprus As the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia boasts a high score for happiness, according to InsureMyTrip. A relatively low cost of living, English being widely spoken, and a temperate Mediterranean climate also make it an attractive choice for digital nomads. 6. Madrid, Spain Madrid is a top destination for both tourists and expats, however, locals across Spain have expressed concerns over overtourism. With an array of nightlife, restaurants and museums, the city is rich in culture, from historic neighborhoods such as La Latin and colorful murals of Coyoacan. 5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia As an emerging destination for remote workers, Kuala Lumpur boasts affordability when it comes to food and accommodations while still offering modern infrastructure, like a metro system and dependable Wi-Fi. This is the ideal destination for those who want to spend most of their time outside, with nearby beaches for an easy day trip, a warm tropical climate and hiking trails through rainforests. 4. Lisbon, Portugal Portugal's welcoming culture, slow-paced lifestyle, and affordable cost of living have made it a rising destination for expats. In 2022, the country launched its digital nomad visa, making it easier for remote workers to enjoy the beaches, parks and pastel-colored streets. 3. Montevideo, Uruguay As Uruguay's largest city, Montevideo has a laid-back yet modern atmosphere, perfect for digital nomads seeking out a more balanced lifestyle. This South American city boasts a low crime rate and cost of living, but also a thriving arts and culture scene and proximity to gorgeous beaches. 2. Budapest, Hungary As an underrated European destination, Budapest scored the title of the second-best city for digital nomads for its wide range of attractions to explore, from natural landscapes to thermal baths and historical churches. Other perks include a high safety ranking and a low cost of living. 1. Brasilia, Brazil Brasília earned InsureMyTrip's top spot as the best city for digital nomads, thanks to its visa option available since January 2022. The city stands out for its affordability compared to the U.S. and relative safety. Digital nomads can enjoy year-round sunshine, warm weather and plenty of green spaces, making it an ideal place to live and work.
