Expedia, Sandals Reinstate Hurricane Insurance Policies

It´s the official start of the six-month Atlantic Hurricane Season, which forecasters already have predicted will be an “active” one with as many as 16 named storms with eight to 10 reaching hurricane strength and four to six reaching Category 3 or higher, meaning sustained winds topping 111 mph. The season officially runs from June 1 through November 30.

In addition to a slew of new or expanded policies and guarantees by operators such as Apple Vacations, CheapCaribbean.com, Travel Impressions and MLT Vacations, Expedia and Sandals and Beaches Resorts are reminding agents and their clients about their policies.

Expedia´s hassle-free Hurricane Promise is back and will waive its cancellation fees, advocate with its travel partners to waive their fees and help rebook the entire trip if a hurricane watch or warning has been issued for a client´s destination, causing a change in travel plans.

Meanwhile, Sandals and Beaches Resorts is reiterating its Blue Chip Hurricane Guarantee, first introduced in 1997, which allows guests a free replacement vacation if their stay is interrupted by a hurricane, as defined by the National Hurricane Center.

Sandals has paid out more than $5.5 million in replacement vacations since the program´s inception, according to John Lynch, executive vice president of sales worldwide for Unique Vacations, which represents Sandals and Beaches Resorts.