Insurance Issues After Lost Luggage on Holiday

✉ In August, we journeyed to Brazil and then ventured to the Atacama Desert in Chile, where we stayed in San Pedro de Atacama for four nights at the beginning of September. Our flights to Chile were with Latam Airlines, departing from Sao Paulo with a layover in Santiago.

Upon our arrival in Calama, we discovered that our suitcase had not made it on our flight from Santiago. We promptly filed a lost baggage claim. Due to the extreme weather conditions in the Atacama region—hot days and very cold nights—we had to purchase essential items and suitable clothing, totaling around £300, since our luggage didn’t arrive the next day. Thankfully, our suitcase was finally delivered to our hotel the following day.

After returning to the UK, we submitted a claim for the expenses incurred to Latam, but it was denied. We then sought assistance from our AllClear Gold Plus insurance policy, only to face another rejection. The reason provided was that the baggage delay had occurred on a flight taken several days after our initial departure from the UK. This situation highlighted a gap in coverage, even with a supposedly premium insurance policy. Could you provide guidance? Peter Allen

Your experience suggests a worrisome oversight, as one would typically expect coverage for lost luggage during any part of a multi-leg journey. A representative from Zurich Insurance, the underwriter for AllClear, stated: “We are pleased to inform that Mr. Allen’s claim has been successfully resolved this week. Upon thorough investigation, we found that the initial decline was due to misclassification as a direct connection flight rather than a stopover in Chile. While we aim to maintain high standards in customer service, we regret that this incident caused Mr. Allen distress. We will be reaching out to extend a £100 goodwill gesture for the inconvenience.”

✉ I am planning to embark on a week-long trip along the Romantic Road in Germany, from Würzburg to Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, but I’m unsure about the best approach. Can you recommend reliable travel companies that offer organized tours, or suggest the top towns to stay in along the route? Additionally, is it easier to travel by train or should I opt for car rental? Marian Garland

The Romantic Road in Germany is heralded as one of the finest road journeys in Europe and marks its 75th anniversary this year, with various events and festivals planned in the 29 towns along the way. For optimal flexibility, driving is advisable. The route is best traveled north to south (from Würzburg to Füssen) so that the picturesque Bavarian Alps serve as a stunning conclusion. Do take your time in Würzburg, known as the Franconian wine capital; visiting during June allows you to enjoy one of its wine festivals.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, reputed to have inspired the village in Disney’s Pinocchio, is a must-see on this journey. The charming Hotel Reichs-Küchenmeister offers a great base. Dinkelsbühl, featuring a baroque castle, and Nördlingen, renowned for its completely preserved town wall, should also be on your itinerary. More details can be found on the official Romantic Road website.

For those preferring an organized experience, Great Rail Journeys provides an inclusive seven-night trip along Bavaria’s Romantic Road from London, staying in Landenau and including excursions to Neuschwanstein and the medieval island town of Lindau on Lake Constance.

✉ My husband and I will be in France starting in mid-September for a month. We have planned the first leg, which includes stays in Amiens, Normandy, and Poitiers, before heading south to Carcassonne for a few days. For the remaining ten days before departing from Dunkirk, we are keen on a short river cruise lasting five to seven days in eastern France. I have found plenty of options for river cruises but am having difficulty finding one that meets our timeframe. Any suggestions? Carol Bridgeman

CroisiEurope is known for shorter cruises in France, and a six-night barge journey from Strasbourg to Lagarde on the Marne-Rhine Canal in early October may be perfect for you. The itinerary includes visits to a historic brewery and the Château du Haut-Barr, among other sites. If this option exceeds your budget, consider a five-night cruise that features essential attractions along the Rhône, culminating in a memorable dinner at a renowned restaurant. However, just keep in mind that while information will be provided in both French and English, you may find yourself as the sole English-speaking guest on board.

✉ With my husband’s 80th birthday approaching on November 1, I am searching for a luxurious family-friendly hotel for a weekend near Gatwick, Heathrow, or Wimbledon, to prevent lengthy travel for our young granddaughters. Do you have any recommendations? Chantal Bull

For a lavish experience, consider Beaverbrook in the Surrey Hills, strategically located within a triangle formed by the mentioned airports. Its family-friendly amenities, such as interconnecting rooms, kids’ clubs, and extensive grounds combined with excellent dining and spa options, make it an ideal choice. Another luxurious alternative is Coworth Park, a Georgian country house near Ascot, offering remarkable dining experiences and children’s entertainment, including treasure hunts and horse riding.

✉ After being involuntarily denied boarding by Ryanair, my partner and I arrived at Milan Bergamo eight hours later than planned. Our pre-arranged car hire was canceled due to this delay, forcing us to find alternate transportation. Although we attempted to get a refund from Ryanair, our request was declined. Is this correct? David Bainbridge

While the situation is certainly frustrating, airlines are not accountable for consequential losses, such as additional car hire fees incurred due to delays. However, you are entitled to compensation for denied boarding, amounting to £220 each, which should offset your additional expenses incurred due to your late arrival.

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