<BR>For those who are purchasing insurance for their trips there is one important clause that is written in every insurance policy that I know of. <BR> <BR>It states "No benifits are payable for losses due to expected or foreseeable events." <BR> <BR>This means that the impending Northwest strike that HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED is now labeled "expected" and the insurance will not cover your airfare costs if there is a claim. <BR> <BR>American employees that are walking off just for the heck of it ...... not covered unless it cripples the airline and it ceases to operate. <BR> <BR>United and Delta will be entering into strike talks soon but none have been announced. Insure as soon as possible if you are flying United or Delta. <BR> <BR>Good luck to all flying the friendly skies. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell all of us this information! It never would've crossed my mind. <BR>I'm so disgusted with the airlines (after missing a cruise due to Delta) that now I only sail out of NYC!

<BR>Yes Michael, the NYC cruises are extremely popular and the prices reflect it. <BR> <BR>Especially Bermuda which used to be so reasonable. Now to cruise to Bermuda it costs the same as flying to Florida for a cruise. <BR> <BR>Quite a few of my customers are now using Amtrak due to the airline problems. Only drawback ..... it is a long boring ride. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

Paul, I have a question to ask you. I've found your answers on this board to be helpful and polite so here goes: I didn't buy insurance and bought air on my own for an upcoming cruise. My plane is scheduled to arrive at FLL 4 hours prior to the cruise leaving port. I DID buy transfers. If my flight would be late which is pretty common these days, is there ANY way to get to HAL's Half Moon private island the next day or would I have to buy a plane ticket to San Juan and join the ship on day 3? (Day 2 is at sea) Thanks for your response.

I have a question, If you have insurance prior to the airline strike does this mean your insurance will cover it? <BR> I was also told by expedia.com,this is who we booked our May 2001 cruise with, that if our flight was cancelled it would be up to the airlines to find us another flight. We are flying from Alabama to Puerto Rico. This is our honeymoon and I sure don't want it to be ruined b/c of some airline strike. <BR> Can anyone give me some advice since I'm still 2 months away from my cruise. <BR>Thanks <BR>Stephanie

PAUL: <BR>What a coincidence that you mention Amtrak! I'm sailing on the "Final Crossing" of the S.S. Norway and I will be embarking in Miami on the first Saturday of September. As this is a holiday weekend (Labor Day), I don't want to fly. An hour ago, I stopped by Penn Station here in NYC to ask about the luggage allowance on Amtrak (...it's very good; 3 checked suitcases AND 3 suitcases in your room ...PER PERSON! This means a couple can bring 12 suitcases!) I'd rather take the 28 hr ride in my own comfortable compartement than deal with the airlines and their delays & baggage restrictions & horrible in-flight conditions!

For those who are intersted in travel insurance . <BR>When you purchesd Travel Safe you are fully covered in case of " Labor disputes resulting in the complete cessation of travel services". <BR>Any questions feel fre to email me.

<BR>Dear Redcurls, <BR> <BR>First, you should purchase insurance to cover your entire trip including air. <BR> <BR>You would have a problem if you miss the ship and there is no airfield on Coco-Cay. <BR> <BR>For peace-of-mind purchase a policy that has a larger Travel Delay coverage clause, such as CSA which pays $750 pp rather than say Access America that is less money for the premium but only covers you up to $200 pp. <BR> <BR>Now, if you miss the ship you can stay the first couple of days on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale with transportation to the hotel also covered. No food. No shopping trips. <BR> <BR>The airline has the responsibility to get you to your first port of call (sans Coco-Cay). They should put you up in a hotel but more than likely an airport hotel. <BR> <BR>The chance of missing the ship is practically nil but it does happen. <BR> <BR>What is good about purchasing cruise-line air is as in my past experience, the cruise-line has chartered planes to take "their" passengers to the ship and the ship is held. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

<BR>Dear Stephanie, <BR> <BR>First, insurance will pay if you purchased the insurance BEFORE the strike was announced. <BR> <BR>Second, I am sorry to say, Expedia is not a "real" travel agent. A TA will help with your travel arrangements if there is a problem. Expedia will tell you to call the airlines. <BR> <BR>If you have cruise-line air get the emergency number of the cruise-line if you have a problem. Most times they will help. <BR> <BR>In any event your insurance will cover hotel and transportation expenses if there is an airline problem. Airlines should also do the same. <BR> <BR>There is also a document called "Rule 240" that you can insist the airlines put into effect. This rule basically states the airline must put you onto the next flight. If not with them, with another airline if there is availability and you are not going to fly standby. <BR> <BR>All this may be confusing. I would suggest not to worry. The worst does not usually happen. <BR> <BR>A vacation is an adventure. <BR> <BR>Paul

<BR>Dear Ovidiu, <BR> <BR>You are not reading my post. <BR> <BR>Granted your policy states that the insurance company will pay for complete cessation of services as I explained BUT if you continue reading the fine print you will see <BR>it will not cover a "forseeable event." For example, if you forsee a flood and you quickly purchase insurance naturally the insurance company will not pay. Same with a forseeable strike or walkout. It only stands to reason. If your policy application does not have all the exclusions listed simply call the company. They will also send you the entire policy to read. <BR> <BR>I am a travel agent and have been through all this many times. <BR> <BR>Good luck, <BR> <BR>Paul