By Josh Recamara
As holiday travel ramps up, InsureMyTrip's analysis of Department of Transportation data for November and December 2024 highlighted the financial risks travelers face from flight delays, reinforcing the importance of travel insurance.
Delays and disruptions
The findings showed that passengers flying through Newark Liberty International (EWR), San Francisco International (SFO), Palm Beach International (PBI), Luis Muñoz Marín International (SJU), San Diego International (SAN), Southwest Florida International (RSW), Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), Richmond International (RIC), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) were most likely to experience delays.
Meanwhile, airlines with the highest frequency of disruptions included JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air, with major carriers such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Airlines also reporting above-average delays. According to the study, these disruptions are more than inconvenient because they can result in substantial financial losses for travelers.
Mitigation through travel insurance
According to the note, travel insurance mitigates these risks by covering costs that airlines rarely reimburse. For instance, policies reimburse meals, lodging, and transportation during travel delays, as well as prepaid tours, accommodations, or alternative flights missed due to cancellations.
Coverage for lost, stolen, or delayed baggage helps offset additional out-of-pocket expenses, while medical and evacuation benefits protect travelers against unforeseen health emergencies. Optional Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) upgrades offer added flexibility, allowing travelers to adjust plans without bearing the full financial burden of cancellations.
Typical claims during the holiday season can range from $200 to $500 for short delays requiring overnight lodging, to $1,500 to $3,000 for major disruptions affecting multi-leg trips or international travel.
InsureMyTrip noted that travel insurance claims spike during periods of high congestion and severe weather, demonstrating how timely coverage can prevent minor inconveniences from becoming costly setbacks.
Broader trends in the industry
The growing reliance on travel insurance reflects broader trends in the industry, as carriers expand coverage to address increasingly complex risks. Modern policies now account for issues such as weather delays, airline staffing shortages, and flight rerouting, giving travelers a financial safety net that supports both routine travel and high-stakes holiday trips.
Experts advised that purchasing travel insurance in advance, particularly for peak travel periods, ensures maximum protection.
According to InsureMyTrip CEO Suzanne Morrow (pictured), planning ahead, staying flexible, and securing comprehensive coverage allows travelers to focus on their journey rather than the financial uncertainty of delays or disruptions.
