Know before you go: Summer travel tips

When you go on vacation, the last thing you want is to be stressed out.

There are many things that are out of our control such as flight cancellations or scams. However, we can better prepare and learn how to avoid these things. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provided tips and hints at how to avoid problems and what to do in case things go wrong.

Tips that consumers should take into consideration:

• Plan & Expect Cancellations and Delays. Pack a change of clothes, electronic device chargers and snacks in your carry-on luggage to support travel disruptions. A cancellation that impacts your return home will require additional resources, budget for an extra day or two to sustain until you can get home.

• Book early morning tickets. You will have greater options for getting to your destination timely.

• Consider traveling to a larger airport. Larger metropolitan airports offer more direct flights than regional airports. Direct flights avoid missed connections and cancellations in a city outside of your hometown or destination.

• Do your research. Consumers should always weigh in the factors of a trip before purchase, including price, location, availability of activities and cancellation policies. Also consider whether the location has any Covid-19 restrictions in place, such as testing or vaccination status, prior to booking the trip. For a secure, digital copy of your vaccination record and/or negative COVID test result, you can retrieve your Excelsior Pass Plus here.

• Get all confirmations in writing. To safeguard against scams via changes in agreements, consumers should always get confirmation of plans in writing whether booking online, over the phone, or in person. Retailers are required to disclose terms and conditions to consumers—always receive a copy of the agreement and save it for reference.

• Beware of “all inclusive” or too good to be true offers. All-inclusive offers sound great but can have hidden charges and fees in their terms and conditions. Consumers may not even be aware of such fees until check-out when their bill is higher than advertised. Sometimes these offers come with an agreement to join a membership or participate in a presentation. Always inquire about mandatory fees that may not appear in the advertised price, such as resort fees and taxes. Read the fine print when taking advantage of an “all-inclusive” offer.

• Evaluate the benefits of paying by your credit cards. Credit cards often offer more protection than paying by cash, check or debit card. Some credit card companies also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protections if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement.

• Review your travel agreements. The New York State Truth in Travel Act safeguards consumers against fraud, false advertising, misrepresentation, and other abuses. Travel agents and promoters must provide consumers with written disclosures of all the terms of the travel service within five days of purchase or agreement. Consumers should review the terms of the agreements fully upon receipt and ensure they align with what the consumer purchased. Consumers have until midnight of the third business day after receiving the agreement to cancel. Consumers can also cancel any time during the five-day period prior to receiving the disclosures.

• Use reputable travel agents/tour companies. Consumers should research thoroughly before choosing an agent or company to work with. Keep track of arrangements and contracts, and review terms and conditions, especially the cancellation and refund policies. Reservations often require a deposit that may not be refundable. If the trip is cancelled, the deposit might only be applied toward future travel or may be forfeited altogether. Consumers should be sure they understand the policy prior to putting down a deposit.

• Consider trip insurance and whether you need a 'Cancel for Any Reason' policy.Travel insurance can offer consumers relief in case of emergency before or during their trip, as coverage ranges from incidents of lost baggage to missed connections to potential medical emergencies. However, most standard travel insurance policies do not cover trip interruption or cancellation due to COVID-19 because such standard policies usually exclude coverage for an epidemic, pandemic, or similar public health event. Some trip insurance plans offer ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage at an additional cost, which is often substantially higher than standard travel insurance and normally only allows up to 75 percent refund of traveler expenses if the trip is cancelled.?Prior to purchasing a plan, review the terms of the policy and ask your insurer about coverage that may be excluded.

When it comes to cancellations, it is important to note that cancellation policies differ from company to company. Be sure to fully read each policy prior to booking anything.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must offer refunds, including the ticket price and any optional fees charged, for cancelled or significantly delayed flights, even when flight disruptions are outside their control.

As for cruise lines, refund options may vary. The cruise ticket contract lays out the company’s cancellation policies and your rights. For example, you may be offered a refund, credit, or voucher for a future cruise. If you opt for a credit or voucher, make sure the expiration date is far enough out that you can use it.

Cancellation policies for hotels, motels, and online accommodation marketplaces can vary greatly, even within the same company based on the season, room type, or length of stay. Some may offer a choice between a refundable or nonrefundable rate while making the reservation.

Signs of a scammer:

• You have “won” a free vacation. Scammers will sometimes entice consumers with a free trip, but then disclose fees or deposits to get access. A prize should not include spending money and is likely a scam.

• The details of your trip are vague. Consumers may be offered a stay in a five-star hotel or on a luxury cruise line, but then few details about the trip are presented. Always confirm and review the name of the company and location of the trip details.

• You have limited time to accept the offer.Scammers often pressure consumers to make quick decisions about a deal, making it likely that the consumer will not have time to investigate the offer. Never feel pressured to agree to any terms you have not reviewed on your own.

• You must pay in an uncommon way. Cryptocurrency, wire transfers, and gift cards are difficult to trace and perfect for scammers looking to take advantage of consumers. These types of payments make it difficult for consumers to recoup their losses. If a travel company insists that you pay in one of these ways, decline the offer and report the company.

If you have trouble, call the Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-697-1220, available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding state holidays.

For any consumer complaints head over to www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.