Travel delays can be both hassle and expense. Some credit cards provide trip delay insurance to help cover extra expenses you might incur waiting for your flight.
This benefit varies by card issuer, but usually qualifying expenses (up to a limit) will be reimbursed upon providing proof of delay. Here are a few cards with this coverage.
Expense Reimbursement
Trip delay insurance reimburses cardholders for out-of-pocket expenses such as meals and lodging when their common carrier travel is delayed by 12 hours or more, though each card has different terms and conditions; for instance, Chase Sapphire Reserve requires at least six hours delay before coverage kicks in while Marriott Bonvoy Boundless credit card needs 12 or more hours of delay before their coverage kicks in.
Cards offering this feature typically set spending limits and require receipts as eligible evidence of reimbursement, making travel stress-free. Your card’s details should outline whether this coverage extends to other land, water and air bookings so if in doubt as to whether your booking qualifies, be sure to read over their policies online as this can save any surprises when it comes time to submit claims.
Lost or Stolen Luggage
When your luggage goes missing or is stolen, credit cards offer reimbursement through loss/theft insurance policies and delayed luggage coverage – some cards even offer delayed luggage insurance which covers essentials such as toiletries and clothing during an unexpected delay. Each card’s terms vary; typically however you have up to several weeks or months after filing a claim with receipts in hand to file and process your claim.
Capital One Venture X Rewards card provides up to $3,000 of coverage for lost luggage, both checked and carry-on bags; up to two bags per person on any trip are covered by this policy. In addition, travel protections such as trip interruption/cancellation insurance, rental car collision damage waiver coverage and travel accident coverage are provided as additional perks and benefits of this card – see here for the complete list.
Flight Delay or Cancelled Flight
Flight delays can be stressful, but knowing you’re covered against unexpected expenses can make the experience less distressful. Credit cards with trip delay insurance provide reimbursements for lodging and meals in case your common carrier travel (plane, train, bus) is delayed for 12 hours or more and requires overnight stay.
After exhausting other travel-related expense reimbursement benefits and personal policies, this card coverage may only apply when all others have been exhausted. Also, card issuers may set dollar and period limitations that restrict reimbursement periods.
An unexpected flight delay can be stressful, but with the right credit cards featuring trip delay insurance it can actually turn into an opportunity to extend your trip! Chase Sapphire Reserve and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Cards reimburse reasonable expenses incurred during delays lasting six hours or longer; such expenses might include room service charges and food and beverage purchases incurred due to this scenario – this makes for an attractive benefit on premium travel cards with sub-$100 annual fees.
Hotel Stay
Trip delay coverage can be an extremely valuable perk of some credit cards, but it is essential that you understand its terms before using one that offers it. Typically, coverage is limited to a set amount per day or number of consecutive days, and only covers expenses related to delays which include hotel stays, meals and transportation costs while you await your flight.
Chase Sapphire Reserve and American Express Platinum credit cards provide up to $500 of coverage per ticket if a delayed flight requires an overnight stay or lasts 12 hours or longer, as well as up to 50% coverage if purchased with either card by you and family members using these cards for tickets purchased on common carriers such as airlines. It should be noted that not all business class travel qualifies for coverage as some cards require travel to be booked via these carriers first before being eligible.
