Traveler's insurance worth a hard look

Ill admit, I was surprised. After last weeks column on airtravel, several people wrote to say that they have had it with theoverbooked, overcrowded, and overhassled system that has taken everyounce of joy out of flying.

Surprised, because the figures I cited on increasing numbers ofpassengers seemed to indicate the airlines had its passengers rightwhere they wanted them: under their thumb, reliant on the only modeof transport that can get people where they need to go in the timeframe our increasingly frenzied world demands.

Surprised, because the tone of some of their writings impliedthat I was likely to be spotted shuffling down the security linewith those millions of air passengers. The writers, meanwhile, wouldbe happily avoiding the once-friendly skies to return to the rhythmof the rails or other earthbound conveyances.

Well, sign me up with those writers as another traveler who hassworn off the lure of the flyways. After several bad experiencesinvolving weather delays, unplanned (and unreimbursed) hotel staysand more herding than anyone should endure in a lifetime, Ive takenthe pledge.

Ive heard people say theyll never fly again, then try to beat thebaggage weight limit one more time once theyve found a fare thatbeats the competition by a nickel or two. Not me.

If I cant get there some other way, Im not going.

From a bunch of postings on the Internet, it appears Im notalone. The phrase Ill never fly again returns just shy of 50,000cyberentries, a number likely to grow before it shrinks. Wedocumented many reasons for discontent last week; lets turn to someways that might take a bit of the sting out of the experience, iftheres no choice but to fly.

Wed urge taking a look at travelers insurance. Coverage can helpavert some headaches that could ruin any vacation. It might get youwhere you need to go when your regular transportation is delayed orcanceled.

Travel insurance can also cover lost or stolen baggage. Medicalcoverage could mean youll have a choice of hospitals and ambulanceservice to get you there, if necessary. That can be a major point,especially if youre traveling outside the U.S.

Your needs may depend on the locations where youll be traveling.Talk with friends who have gone before you; their experiences canhelp you plan for things you might not otherwise consider.

There are many insurance plans out there, so do lots ofcomparisons before making any decisions. Know exactly what coverageyoure getting. Dont be embarrassed about asking questions; thatswhat the insurance agent is there for.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News andNortheast CONTACT, Maines membership-funded, nonprofit consumerorganization. Individual and business memberships are available atmodest rates. For assistance with consumer-related issues, includingconsumer fraud and identity theft, or for more information, write:Consumer Forum, P.O. Box 486, Brewer 04412, go to http://necontact.wordpress.com, or email at contacexdir@live.com.