Travel industry hit hard by consumer complaints
Travel agencies take the number-one spot on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) list of most industry complaints during the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic. Airlines and vacation rentals rounded out the top three with 2,565 and 2,089 complaints and reviews respectively. Between March and May 2020, BBB received more than 53,000 complaints and reviews. This represents a 280-percent increase over a three-month period.
Consumers who are making travel plans should consider these BBB tips to avoid disappointments:
• Check with country regulations for quarantine requirements. Some countries are still requiring visitors to isolate for 14 days when visiting the country or coming back home.
• Carefully research cancellation policies before making reservations. If you were hoping to travel somewhere later this year, understand what kind of cancellation policy is available for the tickets you would like to purchase. Cruise companies, airlines, hotels, Airbnbs and other travel-related cancellation policies are rapidly changing because of the pandemic.
• Consider buying travel insurance, but read the small print. Travel insurance is a great way to receive a full refund if you need to cancel a trip, but not all policies have the same coverage. It is critical to read the fine print of any plan you are considering before you buy. Most policies will not cover a cancellation simply because you are now afraid to go.
Purchasing a policy that allows you to “cancel for any reason” is the best way to ensure coverage in this continuously evolving situation.
• Sign up for updates for any changes in policies at the location where you intend to travel. Many countries are slowly reopening but that may change between the time the trip is booked and the time of departure.
• Think twice before buying a bargain ticket. As many countries reopen their borders, flight and cruise deals are popping up everywhere. If you want to take advantage of these deals, keep in mind that, realistically, any destination could become compromised or closed again and you may need to cancel or reschedule your travel plans. This could result in additional fees and make the deal even less of a bargain.
If you have spotted a scam, even if you have not lost money, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your report can prevent others from being victimized.