Expert: Roberto Gomes - 5/15/2004

Question
Hi Roberto
Dean Hible here.

I'm planning my own solo excersion to Costa Rica.
I'm going to book my own flight and rooms myself, but my concern is what if my flight gets cancelled for some reason along the 3 connections I will have to make.

I booked a flight for my parents out of our small town airport here in Wyoming on United, I think it was a turbo prop(not a jet) and their flight was cancelled 2 days in a row! It was not a big deal because they are retired and just visiting relatives.

But if my flight gets cancelled at the last moment, will my rooms that I have on hold by credit card still be charged to my account?

Does flight insurance cover you on this sort of thing?
Thanks
Dino

Answer
Dear Dean,

Airlines do not cover any other "ground arrangements" such as car rentals and hotel rooms, in connection with booked flights.
The airline responsability is to make all the possible to take passengers from point 1 to 2, or to 3 or 4 via 2 or 3 in accordance with the original schedule.
Its a good idea to have all the itinerary in one single ticket.

Normaly hotels guarantee your reservation up to 6PM on your credit card. My reccomendation is to ask the hotel what kind of inconvenience you will face in case of late arrival.

You can ask the airline to produce a letter due to the delay or flight cancellation to present to the hotel if needed.

As far as insurance is concern please call your broker to find out details of coverage. I believe flight cancellation is not covered. As a last resource please ask your travel agent to search for more direct routes.  

Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
R. Gomes