With Flight Delays Likely During the Winter Holiday Season, Travel Guard can Help Travelers Stay on Course

STEVENS POINT, Wis., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- More than one in four flights taken in 2008 did not arrive on time, according to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)*. To avoid the potential pitfalls of air travel during the upcoming holiday travel season, Travel Guard (http://www.travelguard.com) is recommending travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance plans that include 24/7 emergency travel assistance.

Additionally, the airlines' on-time rate was 74.3 percent through the first eight months of this year, the DOT reports, making this the third-worst period for delays in the 14 years records have been kept. Finally, 45 percent of delays and cancellations between January and August 2008 were weather- related. Travel Guard, one of the nation's largest providers of travel insurance and assistance services plans, is experiencing the impact of the delays every day in the 24/7 Travel Guard Assist travelers assistance center, which has reported a 48 percent increase in calls for assistance with flight delays and cancellations in 2008 to date.

"Overall, airlines have cut back on the number of flights they are providing, meaning there are fewer flight options available for Americans planning to travel during the holiday season," said Dan McGinnity, vice president of Travel Guard. Also, the threat of storms delaying flights will naturally increase as winter approaches. That's why we recommend that consumers book their travel early, and purchase a comprehensive travel insurance plan that provides assistance in re-booking flights or hotel accommodations. Travelers who purchase a Travel Guard plan can get immediate assistance from our 24/7 assistance center if delays impact their travel."

Most retail Travel Guard insurance plans provide reimbursement for accommodations and additional expenses incurred due to travel delays for covered reasons; as well as LiveTravel, an around-the-clock emergency travel hotline for finding alternative flight options, rebooking flights and making hotel and rental car reservations. The travel assistance services provided by Travel Guard Assist can provide comfort to travelers, who know that help is just a phone call away in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

Comprehensive travel insurance and assistance services plans available through Travel Guard can be purchased online at http://www.travelguard.com, through Travel Guard's 24-hour World Service Center (800-826-1300), or from one of the more than 12,000 travel agencies who offer Travel Guard plans.

* Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2008

About Travel Guard

Travel Guard Group, Inc. ("Travel Guard") (http//:www.travelguard.com) is one of America's leading providers of travel insurance plans for more than 6 million travelers each year. Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard are distributed by more than 12,000 travel agents across the United States.

Travel insurance plans through Travel Guard may include coverage for trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation expenses, and lost or delayed baggage. Most plans also include 24-hour travel assistance services* for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more.

The travel Insurance offered through Travel Guard is underwritten by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa., with its principal place of business in New York, NY. The Policy will contain reductions, limitations, exclusions, and termination provisions. All coverages may not available in all states.

    Non insurance assistance services are provided by Travel Guard Assist.

    Contact:   Dan McGinnity/Carol Mueller      Brian Major/Erin McKeon
               AIG Travel Guard                 MMG Mardiks
               800-826-7791, Ext. 1485/1305     212-219-7560 ext. 6764/6767
               dan.mcginnity@aig.com            bmajor@mmgmardiks.com
               carol.mueller@aig.com            emckeon@mmgmardiks.com