Americans Pay Twice for Travel Disruptions: Once in Dollars, Once in Time

LegalShield Study Finds Significant Delays and Challenges in Travel Compensation Claims

Research shows Americans face substantial hurdles when seeking travel disruption compensation, with the average person losing several hundred dollars and nearly a full workday pursuing claims. Despite increased consumer awareness of travel rights, the process remains time-consuming and often ineffective.

Key Findings

• Nearly 4 in 10 Americans lose $500+ due to travel disruptions
• 40% of holiday travelers spent more than 4 hours fighting for compensation; 14% spent more than 8 hours

ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new LegalShield study reveals the steep price Americans pay to assert their travel rights, with 40% spending at least half a workday fighting airlines, hotels and rental companies for rightful compensation. The study arrives just ahead of "Travel Tuesday," when millions of consumers book holiday travel deals the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Despite 75% of Americans understanding their basic travel rights, the cost of enforcing them remains prohibitive:

• 38% lost over $500 dealing with disruptions
• Nearly one in five lost more than $1,000
• 40% invested more than 4 hours trying to resolve issues

"This isn't just about delayed flights or lost bags anymore," said Warren Schlichting, CEO of LegalShield. "We're seeing a failure in consumer protection that's costing Americans both financially and emotionally during what should be a joyful season."

The study spotlights common travel disruptions:

• Flight delays (46% of travelers)
• Flight cancellations (34%)
• Lost luggage (32%)
• Rental car issues (30%)

"It's often amazing how quickly your issues can be taken care of with a letter from a lawyer," said Wayne Hassay, LegalShield provider lawyer at Ohio-based law firm Maguire Schneider Hassay, LLP. "While people seem to know their rights better due to recent publicity, many fear the time and frustration it will take to act on them."

Key Travel Rights to Remember:

• Canceled Flights: Airlines must provide full refunds within 7-20 days
• Significant Delays: Free rebooking required for delays over 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international)
• Lost Baggage: Airlines must refund fees if bags aren't delivered within 12 hours (domestic)
• Rental Cars/Hotels: Review all fees beyond base rates before booking

"Asserting your rights as a traveler can be a daunting task. That's where we come in," said Hassay. "As we head into the holiday season, let's focus on family and festivities, not fighting with corporations."

The LegalShield survey was conducted in October 2024 and surveyed 1,028 adults, ages 18 and older, who live in the United States. The sample was balanced by age, among other demographic variables, according to the U.S. Census.

About LegalShield:

For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection, and representation. Serving millions, LegalShield is one of the world’s largest platforms for legal, identity, and reputation management services protecting individuals and businesses across North America. Founded in 1972, LegalShield, and its privacy management product, IDShield, has provided individuals, families, businesses, and employers with tools and services needed to affordably live a just and secure life. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is disrupting the traditional legal system and transforming how and where people receive legal guidance and services, with access to thousands of qualified, trusted attorneys and law firms. LegalShield and IDShield are products of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. To learn more about LegalShield and IDShield, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.