BALI volcano ash and cancellation of flights discussion

[Pushka]

There is a common myth that 'free' travel insurance is inadequate - however that's plainly not true.
What I do know, becuase i checked;
AMEX -doesnt offer any cover for alternative travel arrangements to get to an event on time (note the definition of event is limited, like a wedding)
ANZ, NAB, Citi, does.
Paid for Travel Insurance, does not provide this cover on basic policies. So for this specific cover - Free Insurance trumps Paid!

Travel Delay Cover does not cover for losses arising from missing connected flights if you have to purchase alternative flights. This will affect LCC's as they dont let you travel on the next flight for free - hard luck, unless you buy the LCC;s own cover. It seems The insurers pass responsibility onto the airlines for getting passengers onto the next flight, which all normal airlines will do, and tha'ts fair enough.

Depending on your own personal situation it certainly can be inadequate. There is also a higher claim payment than paid-for policies.

 

[robtemt]

I just started a new thread (might be my first thread ever started?, hopefully its not a duplicate) about the well timed Amex Platinum Insurance Enhancements, which added Natural Disaster and Special Event to Travel Cancellation. Good timing for me...

No idea how to link to another thread though. Its listed under Forums, Credit Cards, American Express Rewards

New Amex Platinum Policy:
https://www.americanexpress.com/au/...id=NsgG8W&om_mid=_BZyXxpB9f5KtKo&om_lid=amex7

 

[Pushka]

I just started a new thread (might be my first thread ever started?, hopefully its not a duplicate) about the well timed Amex Platinum Insurance Enhancements, which added Natural Disaster and Special Event to Travel Cancellation. Good timing for me...

No idea how to link to another thread though. Its listed under Forums, Credit Cards, American Express Rewards

New Amex Platinum Policy:
https://www.americanexpress.com/au/...id=NsgG8W&om_mid=_BZyXxpB9f5KtKo&om_lid=amex7

Will be interesting to see if it applies to previous purchases or just future ones.

 

[robtemt]

It states for all claims from 1 November 2017. The policy states if you purchased the tickets before the event (as most polices do...)

 

[Pushka]

I’m following a twitter feed from a seismologist and it seems magma is pushing upwards and steam and earthquake activity is increasing in last couple of hours.

 

[robtemt]

They said possibly in the next 24 hours about 20 hours ago +/-.... I hope the locals in the danger zone have all been evacuated and are in safe shelters.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

I’m following a twitter feed from a seismologist and it seems magma is pushing upwards and steam and earthquake activity is increasing in last couple of hours.

Interesting Pushka, would you mind sharing the handle?

 

[Pushka]

Interesting Pushka, would you mind sharing the handle?

I found it in the Bali forum on TA.

Dr Janine Krippner (@janinekrippner) | Twitter

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

I found it in the Bali forum on TA.

Dr Janine Krippner (@janinekrippner) | Twitter

Thanks Pushka, that's a fascinating read.

 

[Pushka]

Thanks Pushka, that's a fascinating read.

If not a little worrying.

 

[Wanderlust_tim]

If not a little worrying.

Tell me about it. I am booked to visit in late October and am watching things very closely. Feeling terrible for the locals.

 

[theblank]

If you want to be up to date and know as soon as new info releases just watch this site, every other source is reporting from here
Kebencanaan Geologi

I also suggest installing the 'MAGMA' app, been running this for a few days, whilst its in Indonesian its pretty easy to follow, just randomly click stuff it will be so easy to see if something bad happens. You can also click the settings icon, and disable all notfications except for Agung.

The app also has the advisory alerts for ash clouds, under the airplane icon, and its in English. Just an hour ago the advisory for Agung is
"ash cloud not visible" and "low pressure white plume dominated by water vapour" and the most important part "moving northeast"

 

[Pushka]

I can’t read Indonesian and can’t find MAGMA in the App Store.

 

[theblank]

This is what I am using
MAGMA Indonesia - Android Apps on Google Play

 

[Pushka]

This is what I am using
MAGMA Indonesia - Android Apps on Google Play

Apple here. It’s ok. TA seems to be using the same app.

 

[theblank]

Virgin officiallly updates travel alerts will allow cancellations, reschedule or fly elsewhere..

No refunds, credit only

Just rang them and confirmed all this

 

[Pushka]

Virgin officiallly updates travel alerts will allow cancellations, reschedule or fly elsewhere..

No refunds, credit only

Just rang them and confirmed all this

Do they have different conditions on fare types?

 

[theblank]

Do they have different conditions on fare types?

I have the cheapest ticket class, booked through amex travel agency and she was very clear that i could cancel and get refunded by a travel credit.

 

[Pushka]

Virgin officiallly updates travel alerts will allow cancellations, reschedule or fly elsewhere..

No refunds, credit only

Just rang them and confirmed all this

I have the cheapest ticket class, booked through amex travel agency and she was very clear that i could cancel and get refunded by a travel credit.

So which is it?

 

[theblank]

So which is it?

they will give you a credit, voucher, whatever you want to call it.

no cash refunds - pretty standard for most airlines.