by Anne Walsh, Aon Affinity Travel Practice Claim Manager

Alaskan King Slip-up

A travel agent organized an Alaskan cruise package for a local radio station to promote to its listeners.

The agent advised clients they would need their birth certificate to travel.  One client responded that he did not have a birth certificate.  The agent assumed the client would obtain one for the cruise and never followed up.

By the time the agent realized the client had not secured a copy of his birth certificate it was too late.  The client was unable to go on the trip and sued the agent for the cost of his air fare and the cruise line.

Claim payment:  $5,070

Intermediate Destination Blues

A travel agent booked a family on a cruise from Seattle to Alaska.

The agent did not realize the cruise had a port of call in Canada and did not advise the clients properly that they would need a visa for the cruise. 

When the clients arrived at the pier to board the ship, they were denied boarding due to lack of proper documentation. 

Claim payment:  $4,480

Myanmar Misfortune

A tour operator booked a tour to Myanmar for their clients. 

The operator’s itinerary and invoice clearly stated a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of travel and a visa for Myanmar were required. 

The operator failed to relay this information verbally.  When the clients arrived at the airport for their departure they were denied boarding for their flight. 

Claim payment:  $23,950

Chicago Side Trip

A travel agent booked a client on a European vacation that included air, hotel and rental car. 

The agent neglected to advise the client that his passport needed to be valid at least six months after the return travel date. 

The client was denied boarding his flight.  He flew to Chicago to obtain a new passport and then continued his vacation.  He filed a claim against the agent for the cost of his expenses to fly to Chicago and one night at the hotel that he missed.

Claim payment: $2,450