Allianz Partners Adds Proactive Travel Delay Benefit with Alaska Airlines

The insurer says SmartBenefits provides automatic payments to insured guests experiencing qualifying delays.

Anthony R. O’Donnell //
(Image Source: Alaska Airlines.)

Allianz Partners USA (Richmond, Virginia), the travel insurance distribution and assistance arm of Allianz Group (Munich),  has partnered with Alaska Airlines(Seattle) to introduce SmartBenefits, which the companies describe as a feature that delivers proactive payments to insured travelers facing qualifying flight delays. Alaska is the first airline partner to offer the benefit.

According to Allianz, insured guests receive a fixed payment when their flight is delayed, intended to help offset expenses such as meals or lodging. The benefit is available on most Allianz plans sold through Alaska Airlines, with future expansion planned for Hawaiian Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

Emily Hartman, General Manager, Allianz Partners USA.

Allianz says SmartBenefits tracks flight delays in real time and automatically alerts travelers by text or email when a qualifying delay is detected. Guests may then choose to receive an electronic payment or a mailed check without filing a claim. Most domestic plans provide $100 for delays of two hours or more, though coverage terms vary.

Increased Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

“Travel disruptions are never fun, but getting an automatic payment on the spot makes the wait a little easier,” comments Emily Hartman, General Manager, Allianz Partners USA. “Alaska Airlines’ insured guests appreciate the convenience and ease of receiving a proactive payment during a qualified delay, and we are seeing this benefit drive increased satisfaction and loyalty.”

Allianz reports that customer satisfaction scores for travelers who receive SmartBenefits average 4.6 out of 5. Customers may still file a claim for additional covered expenses up to policy limits.

The company notes that SmartBenefits was first launched in 2018 through plans offered by travel advisors and is now available through multiple distribution channels, including U.S. airlines, agents, online agencies, hotel companies, cruise lines, and direct sales. Policies are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company, an Allianz-owned carrier domiciled in New York.

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Anthony R. O’Donnell // Anthony O'Donnell is Executive Editor of Insurance Innovation Reporter. For nearly two decades, he has been an observer and commentator on the use of information technology in the insurance industry, following industry trends and writing about the use of IT across all sectors of the insurance industry. He can be reached at AnthODonnell@IIReporter.com or (503) 936-2803.

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