Allianz Partners USA has teamed up with Alaska Airlines to roll out SmartBenefits, a new travel insurance feature that automatically delivers payments to insured guests experiencing qualifying flight delays—no claim required.
The carrier is the first airline partner to launch the benefit, which provides fixed payouts to cover unexpected expenses such as meals or lodging when travel is disrupted. The program will also expand to Hawaiian Airlines in the near future, ensuring consistency across the Alaska Air Group network.
With SmartBenefits, Allianz Partners uses automated flight monitoring to detect delays in real time. When a qualifying delay occurs, insured guests receive a text or email notification and can choose to receive a quick electronic payment or a mailed check. Most domestic plans include a $100 fixed payment for delays as short as two hours, though coverage details vary by plan.
“Travel disruptions are never fun, but getting an automatic payment on the spot makes the wait a little easier,” Emily Hartman, general manager at Allianz Partners USA, said in a statement. “Alaska Airlines’ insured guests appreciate the convenience and ease of receiving a proactive payment during a qualified delay, and we’re seeing this benefit drive increased satisfaction and loyalty.”
By embedding proactive insurance benefits into the booking process, Allianz Partners and Alaska Airlines aim to deliver more peace of mind and enhance guest experience at a time when travelers are increasingly sensitive to delays and disruptions.
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