Travel insurance still beats airline payouts

Airlines will be forced to increase payments for lost luggage under plans being drawn up by the United Nations, but travel insurance policies will still provide better cover.

Under the new plans, airlines will have to pay up to £1,060 per passenger for lost bags, up from a maximum of £972 today.

Insurewithease travel insurance provides up to £3,000 compensation for lost personal items and up to £175 for delayed baggage.

Airlines mishandle more than 30m bags a year, though the majority of these are eventually found. Consequently, the majority of passengers don't receive the full amount of compensation, which was set out by the Montreal Convention in 2004.

As airlines are so stingy passengers are usually better off claiming on their travel insurance.

To reduce the risk of bags going missing in the first place, passengers are advised to check in as early as possible for flights to allow time for their bags to travel from check in through to the aircraft and to put their name and address on the inside of their luggage.

As bags are most likely to go missing on connecting flights, it is best to fly direct whenever possible. If connecting flights cannot be avoided, remember to pack essential items such as a change of clothing and a toothbrush plus all necessary medication in hand luggage.

Digg    Reddit    Facebook    Tweet This