On Sept. 11, 2001, the world witnessed the worst terror attack on American soil in U.S. history. More than 6,000 people were injured and almost 3,000 people died due to an unprecedented act of terrorism perpetrated against the American people.
Travel, specifically air travel, changed fundamentally due to this heinous act. Before 9/11, airport screening was virtually invisible. You didn’t need to remove your shoes or belt. You didn’t even need a boarding pass to get to the departure/arrival gates.
After the attacks, President George W. Bush signed the Aviation and Transportation Act. This legislation, among other things, added more Federal Air Marshals and put security screening in the hands of federal employees. As a result, people could no longer:
Because of all this additional scrutiny, it’s recommended that post-9/11 travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure. Also, according to a 2020 article published in Scientific Research, An Academic Publisher, The United States has the most expensive aviation security infrastructure in the world and has become so largely because of 9/11. The article goes on to explain that fees and taxes have been implemented to help cover the cost of all this additional protection, which is being passed on to the consumer in the form of higher flight costs.
The heightened cost means travelers have to bear increased financial risk – risk that consumers should and can hedge against, according to Dan Drennen, Director of Sales and Marketing at Travel Insurance Center®. Plus, in addition to terrorist events like 9/11, there is potential for many things that could stop travelers from being able to go on their trip – things like hurricanes, unforeseen illness, pandemics, political instability, etc.
According to Drennen, the solution is simple. He suggests getting adequate travel insurance.
Travel insurance can provide coverage for:
After the Sept. 11 attacks, many travel protection plans modified their wording regarding terrorism. Many plans will cover trip costs in the event of trip cancellation due to terrorism, but be aware that how terrorism is defined in the policy is important and varies from policy to policy. Generally, if a plan covers trip cancellation due to terrorism, you may be eligible for trip cancellation benefits if a terrorist attack occurs in your destination country or city or a city or country on your itinerary — as long as the attack occurred after you purchased the policy and within a specified number of days of your scheduled arrival (often 30 days).
As terrible as the 09/11 terror attack was, it highlights the need for having adequate travel insurance. But where can you go to procure such coverage?
You should only work with honest travel insurance agents who have your best interest in mind when helping you select suitable coverage based on need and budget. Dan Drennen and his team of Travel Insurance Experts at Travel Insurance Center fit that mold to a tee. They’re ethical and honest, and do the research needed to ensure you’re adequately protected and at a price you can afford.
If you are interested in protecting your travel investment, consider allowing Travel Insurance Center to assist. Call 1.866.979.6753 or complete this formto get a no-cost, no-obligation quote.