AIG Travel Offers Advice for Handling the 'What Ifs' of Traveling During Hurricane Season

STEVENS POINT, Wis., June 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Though forecasters are predicting a relatively quiet hurricane season in 2014, AIG Travel, Inc. encourages travelers to be prepared so their vacation is not derailed in the event of inclement weather. The 2014 hurricane season began on June 1, and travelers are reminded to look to time-tested tips to be prepared for the "what ifs" that come along with traveling this time of year.

Don't let location fool you. Hurricanes don't only hit the Caribbean and Southeastern U.S. and, even if you travel destination is not within the hurricane path, hurricanes can greatly affect travel and flights schedules at airports all over the country.

Check in on the weather. Sites like the National Hurricane Center can help travelers keep tabs on  tropical storms and named hurricanes.  If a hurricane is likely to affect a traveler's destination, action should be taken to evacuate.  Most Travel Guard® plans (www.travelguard.com) have 24/7 assistance services to help coordinate flights home or to a safe location.

Check airport and driving route status. Before leaving, travelers should review the websites and social media accounts of their end accommodations, airports and driving routes for information concerning  inclement weather and other potential travel hazards.

Prepare for delays. Sign up for text or email alerts from the airport or airline on which you will be traveling.  If your departure airport is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, check your travel insurance plan to see what expenses may be covered because of the delay.

Safeguard your trip investment in advance. Purchasing a travel insurance plan immediately after booking your trip should increase the chances of being covered for disruptions and delays.  If inclement weather disrupts your travel plans, a travel insurance solution with trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage could help cover your losses.  Most Travel Guard plans include free services to offer travelers emergency travel assistance, such as flight rebooking, hotel booking, cash wire transfers, message relay and emergency travel arrangements as well as emergency medical assistance for medical evacuations, coordination of medical arrangements and more.

"Calm hurricane seasons can lead to complacency when it comes to travel planning," said Lori Whitt, Vice President of Marketing Communications in the Americas. "Unfortunately, major travel disruptions can arise quickly during hurricanes and other severe weather situations, so it's important to be prepared.  A Travel Guard insurance plan can help travelers protect their travel plans."

Hurricane season runs through November 30, 2014. To keep track of the latest hurricane-related news, visit the National Weather Services' National Hurricane Center. For answers to questions about hurricanes and travel insurance, visit www.travelguard.com.

For more information about Travel Guard travel insurance solutions and assistance service plans, travelers can ask their travel agent for advice from an authorized individual, visit www.travelguard.com or call 1.800.826.1300. Travelers can also follow AIG Travel on Twitter @TravelGuard to stay abreast of travel trends, news and views.

About AIG Travel and Travel Guard

AIG Travel, Inc., a member of American International Group, Inc., is a worldwide leader in travel insurance solutions and assistance. Travel Guard^® is the marketing name for its portfolio of travel insurance solutions and travel-related services, including assistance and security services, marketed to both leisure and business travelers around the globe. Services are provided through a network of wholly owned service centers located in Asia, Europe and the Americas. For additional information, please visit our websites at www.travelguardworldwide.com and www.travelguard.com.

Products or services may not be available in all countries or states, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties.  In the United States, Travel Guard insurance products are offered through licensed insurance producers, including Travel Guard Group, Inc., and underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., a Pennsylvania insurance company with its principal place of business at 175 Water Street, New York, NY 10038, that is currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445. 

About AIG

AIG is a leading international insurance organization serving customers in more than 130 countries. AIG companies serve commercial, institutional, and individual customers through one of the most extensive worldwide property-casualty networks of any insurer. In addition, AIG companies are leading providers of life insurance and retirement services in the United States. AIG common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Additional information about AIG can be found at www.aig.com | YouTube: www.youtube.com/aig |Twitter: @AIG_LatestNews| LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/aig

AIG is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty, life and retirement, and general insurance operations of American International Group, Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at www.aig.com. All products and services are written or provided by subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Products or services may not be available in all countries, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties.  Certain property-casualty coverages may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds, and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.

CONTACT: Rhonda Sloan
AIG Travel
713.284.8232
[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140620/119751

SOURCE AIG