What Caused the Recent Chaos At JFK Airport?

Safe, smooth travel is something we all hope for when heading to the airport bound for destinations of business or pleasure. And while sometimes travel does go smoothly, other times it can become a disaster. For thousands of unsuspecting travelers caught in the recent chaos at JFK airport, travel turned to mayhem. In the first week of 2018, winter storm Grayson slammed the east coast and caused thousands of inconvenient delays, cancellations and redirected flights. Inconvenience quickly evolved into a travel nightmare for many. Passengers were left waiting on tarmacs for hours or in terminals for days with no food or accommodations. Luggage was piled so high it was a fire hazard, yet many passengers could not get to their potentially water-damaged luggage.

Cause of the Chaos

Why did this happen? As Grayson ushered in extreme cold, heavy snow and high winds, unexpected resulting issues multiplied. A water main broke and flooded the major international terminal’s baggage claim area creating colossal baggage problems. Two planes collided on the runway, compounding already enormous delays further. Freezing temperatures made repair and maintenance of runways and equipment difficult if not impossible. Grayson transgressed from a major inconvenience to a travel disaster.

Help for the Chaos

Despite how impossible the situation became for many in the days following the storm, travel insurance provided a haven for grateful passengers with trip protection. While travel insurance does not eliminate lines, delays, cancellations and damaged luggage, it can provide tremendous solace that all is not lost.

With a wide array of plan choices and levels of trip protection, coverage affords weary travelers inexpensive peace of mind. And it is priced at a fraction of the percentage of total trip cost. Travelers with trip cancellation coverage (for inclement weather) can rest easy knowing that even if their travel arrangements come crashing down like a house of cards in a blizzard of snow, the money invested is not going with it. Travel insurance can provide reimbursement for prepaid, non-refundable expenses that would otherwise be lost due to weather related travel interruptions and cancellations. This includes but is not limited to expenses like hotels, flights and cruises. There is also reimbursement for lost or delayed baggage, personal effects, meals and accommodations. Travelers can have access to 24/7 assistance to help with issues like filing claims and concierge services while stranded. So, when the worst occurs – as it does sometimes – trip protection is an oasis in a travel storm.