When you travel are you prepared for an emergency?

[handinpocket]

I have a funny side story on this line of thinking. We went camping last summer, we tent camp. We pack the food in the SUV overnight due to animals. Everything had been put away when DH got a work call, and got into the truck to make notes. He ended up locking the keys in the truck. We had breakfast through the kindness and grace of the people monitoring the campsight who gave us a box of cereal and milk to feed the kids until we could get a locksmith to come up from the town a few hours away. Ug. Best laid plans, right?

LOL, I could sooooo see that happening to me and have planned for just that very thing. My husband has locked the keys IN the SUV, at least 4 times (thankfully,not while camping). I always keep an extra set in my fanny pack, that NEVER leaves my waist.

 

[NHdisneylover]

TA a minimum I always have some cash (at least enough for a meal for the family) and a back up credit card (one we almost never use) as well as our main credit card on me whenever we travel. Both CCs have large limits and no carry over balances so we COULD cover a lot of costs in an emergency if we had to. I would not travel if we were on such a tight budget that we could not handle a delay of a few days (which clearly this current situation could spiral beyond)--delays and unforeseen circumstances are just too likely.

Copies of our passports are all kept in a file at DH's office so they could be accessed if we needed them.

I am surprised that I am not hearing about churches or other community organizations organizing more to feed and shelter stranded travelers (maybe it is happening and simply not being reported?). I still remember driving home from my grandparents over spring break when a freak late spring snow storm shut down the highway west of Amarillo. A church in the small town we were in had opened their doors and had food streaming in for stranded folks within the hour. Many people slept there in the church (on floor and cots)--a family invited my mother and I to spend the night in their guest room. We were very thankful. Anyway, the longest I have been stranded has been over night in a few different situations (one that started with 6 hours on the tarmac, and one that included an early landing at DFW in the middle of the night when an engine went out).

 

[Imzadi]

It was on the news last night about a family having to stay in JFK airport all this time. The next estimated flight back to the UK was in 10 days.

The father is a truck driver, the mother a secretary or teacher. They have no back up funds of any kind. As it was, they had saved up ALL their extra money so they & their 13 year old son could vacation away together, as a family for the first time. for a FEW days. They have no money for a hotel, have been sleeping in the airport and eat ONE meal a day as that's all they can afford. Airport food is NOT cheap either. They spend the whole day at the airport, don't even get to leave & take the $4 subway ride into NYC to do something throughout the day, as that is their meal money.

I don't know where the Red Cross or the emergency relief is supposed to be, that someone mentioned on this thread, but it doesn't seem to be in JFK - one of the largest international airports. This family isn't the only ones stranded at JFK.

I feel sad for these people. Nova Scotia, Canada and some other places took in and took care of our U.S. passengers when all the flights were re-routed & downed right after 9/11. A small town in Nova Scotia did it all for free. As a nation, we should pay it forward what generosity was done for us.

 

[golfgal]

It was on the news last night about a family having to stay in JFK airport all this time. The next estimated flight back to the UK was in 10 days.

The father is a truck driver, the mother a secretary or teacher. They have no back up funds of any kind. As it was, they had saved up ALL their extra money so they & their 13 year old son could vacation away together, as a family for the first time. for a FEW days. They have no money for a hotel, have been sleeping in the airport and eat ONE meal a day as that's all they can afford. Airport food is NOT cheap either. They spend the whole day at the airport, don't even get to leave & take the $4 subway ride into NYC to do something throughout the day, as that is their meal money.

I don't know where the Red Cross or the emergency relief is supposed to be, that someone mentioned on this thread, but it doesn't seem to be in JFK - one of the largest international airports. This family isn't the only ones stranded at JFK.

I feel sad for these people. Nova Scotia, Canada and some other places took in and took care of our U.S. passengers when all the flights were re-routed & downed right after 9/11. A small town in Nova Scotia did it all for free. As a nation, we should pay it forward what generosity was done for us.

In this situation I would call a family member and have them wire some money or I would call my bank and get an emergency loan for $2000 or so. It isn't ideal but it sure is better than staying in an airport starving. I would also like to think that if this happened to US citizens that people from the US embassy would step up and help out.

Like most others have said, we travel with enough room on a credit card to cover something like this so we would have been able to get a hotel room and buy food.

 

[Imzadi]

In this situation I would call a family member and have them wire some money or I would call my bank and get an emergency loan for $2000 or so. It isn't ideal but it sure is better than staying in an airport starving. I would also like to think that if this happened to US citizens that people from the US embassy would step up and help out.

Like most others have said, we travel with enough room on a credit card to cover something like this so we would have been able to get a hotel room and buy food.

You reminded me, the reporter asked why the people in these situations didn't call their national embassies for help. Most of them said their cell phones died days ago. They hadn't thought to bring their chargers since they thought they would only be gone a few days. (Something I'm guilty of. ) Plus, phone cards back home would mean money taken away from daily food money.

Also, as in this case, (I'm sure the reporter purposely looked for the worst cases, ) as a truck driver & secretary, their first times traveling ever, they didn't think about contingency plans. They barely had enough money for the actual days planned. Their relatives don't have money either for them to borrow on. They are the epitome of living paycheck to paycheck. Some people really don't make enough to get approved for credit cards, or even bother applying for one because of it.


When I took my first trip to England by myself, I had to go with a tour group, as I was having heart palpitations about traveling alone. the group gave the assurance that people would be there for me in an emergency. And England is our ally, a NATO country, that speaks our language and I was scared!

 

[tasha99]

I always travel with inadequate backup funds because I've lived sort of on the edge financially for the past decade or so (first just low wage, single parent, and now I'm not working but in grad school.) I could just not travel, but I'd rather take some risks than put my life off--I guess I'd rather take the risk and gain the experiences than live completely safely. I do know that if I were in a real bind, I have parents who would help me out with a loan, but I can't say I wouldn't travel even without that safety net. I do feel bad for people stuck in airports. I got voluntarily bumped off my flight during spring break, and even half a day was excruciatingly boring (but well worth the flight voucher.)

 

[bettymae1121]

I have a CC with a ton of room that I always have on me (traveling or no). Now, I may not be able to afford the bill when I eventually get back home, but that's a different story!!!

Still, I haven't heard any reports of the Red Cross (in any country) help out stranded people with clean clothes (or even free laundry facilities) food, and access to free phones so they can call loved ones and employers. Even if they have to sleep in the airport, things like that still go a long way. In fact after work today I'll google and see if there are efforts going on in my area I can donate to or something, I'm not far from O'Hare and I know we've had affected flights.

 

[daughtersrus]

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. We're going to Hawaii in a few months for DD's Make A Wish trip. They told us to bring 10 days worth of medication. I was told that there are restrictions on the amount of liquid that we can bring and more than 10 days would be over that limit. It's a compounded medication that our local pharmacy makes for her so we could be stuck without it it we were delayed for a significant amount of time.

 

[NotUrsula]

I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. We're going to Hawaii in a few months for DD's Make A Wish trip. They told us to bring 10 days worth of medication. I was told that there are restrictions on the amount of liquid that we can bring and more than 10 days would be over that limit. It's a compounded medication that our local pharmacy makes for her so we could be stuck without it it we were delayed for a significant amount of time.

Don't know who told you that there is a limit, but that's not so. (Well, I'll amend that to say that TSA doesn't have a limit. If your airline has a baggage weight limit, that is a different issue. However, most of the time you can pay to get around that if necessary, or someone else can go lighter and take part of her allowance.) Medications are exempt from the TSA liquids limit: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

I'd bring at least 2 extra days' worth. Check ahead and see if there is a compounding pharmacy near your destination, and if so, bring along a full copy of the compounding scrip, so that if you got in a jam, you could have some more made there.

 

[malibuconlee]

I have a girlfriend that flies around the country with her toddler with NO cash! Drives me crazy. I dropped her off at the airport and had my toddler in the car. Couldn't help her inside because my toddler was in the car. No skycap for her airline at our small airport. I had to give her $5 to tip the porter they called to help her inside with her daughter, stroller, diaper bag and two suitcases!! I didn't think of it at the time by my husband said I should have given her $20 cash for just in case. When I went to pick her up she offered to pay for the parking fee and didn't even have the 75 cents for that!!

We always have cash for traveling. At least 2-3 different credit cards and we have ATM cards for two separate accounts. Couldn't imagine doing it any other way.

We have gotten stuck overnight at our connecting city, but luckily that was before we had our daughter. Delays are frustrating, but are part of traveling. I couldn't imagine taking a trip and not having enough money available even if it's just credit to get by for a few days after the trip if we are stuck!

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I have been stuck for a day or 2 on several occasions. I always carry double the medication needed as well as a change of clothes for everyone. I also take extra cash and credit cards, but would probably not have enough to get me through if I was stranded an extra 10 days or so, as in this situation...unless it was a Disney trip, which I am so obsessed with I book a year to 6 months out, the majority of the trip itself would be taking up a good bit of my credit limit.

 

[Imzadi]

I have a girlfriend that flies around the country with her toddler with NO cash! Drives me crazy. I dropped her off at the airport and had my toddler in the car. Couldn't help her inside because my toddler was in the car. No skycap for her airline at our small airport. I had to give her $5 to tip the porter they called to help her inside with her daughter, stroller, diaper bag and two suitcases!! I didn't think of it at the time by my husband said I should have given her $20 cash for just in case. When I went to pick her up she offered to pay for the parking fee and didn't even have the 75 cents for that!!

Are you sure she isn't just milking you for funds? There are always those people who are never around, or on their cell phone when the restaurant bill is placed on the table. Or never have enough change for a proper tip, or wants to split the bill 5 ways when it is his time to figure it all out. Those are the times when one person ordered a salad & water, while he had 3 liquor drinks and two appetizers, yada. They say the will take care of it "next time", but again, are never around or have the change to do it.

 

[tchrrx]

For those of you that travel with a lot of cash, where do you keep it all? I am not comfortable carrying a lot in my wallet, but I can't think of any other great spots for it either. Do you carry traveler's checks or just cash? We are wanting to carry cash this summer, but can't decide how much is really necessary.

 

[golfgal]

You reminded me, the reporter asked why the people in these situations didn't call their national embassies for help. Most of them said their cell phones died days ago. They hadn't thought to bring their chargers since they thought they would only be gone a few days. (Something I'm guilty of. ) Plus, phone cards back home would mean money taken away from daily food money.

Also, as in this case, (I'm sure the reporter purposely looked for the worst cases, ) as a truck driver & secretary, their first times traveling ever, they didn't think about contingency plans. They barely had enough money for the actual days planned. Their relatives don't have money either for them to borrow on. They are the epitome of living paycheck to paycheck. Some people really don't make enough to get approved for credit cards, or even bother applying for one because of it.


When I took my first trip to England by myself, I had to go with a tour group, as I was having heart palpitations about traveling alone. the group gave the assurance that people would be there for me in an emergency. And England is our ally, a NATO country, that speaks our language and I was scared!

YOu mean they couldn't find a single airline to let them use a phone??? Even for a call home long distance I am sure there would be plenty of help from their airline. Traveling without a charger for your cell phone, OUT OF THE COUNTRY, is just silly. Sorry, but they sound more like they are trying to get something for free vs trying to get themselves out of a jam even if they don't have a lot of money.

 

[swkmom]

My best friend had to fly from WV to Fresno, CA this past October for business. She had a connection in Washington D.C. and a connection at LAX. Because of delays, etc. it ended up taking her 24 hours to get there. A very good lesson she learned was, always put your cell phone charger in your carry on, not your checked luggage.

 

[Imzadi]

YOu mean they couldn't find a single airline to let them use a phone??? Even for a call home long distance I am sure there would be plenty of help from their airline. Traveling without a charger for your cell phone, OUT OF THE COUNTRY, is just silly. Sorry, but they sound more like they are trying to get something for free vs trying to get themselves out of a jam even if they don't have a lot of money.

The reporter said several people traveled without their phone chargers. Remember, it isn't even the same kind of charger that we have here in the U.S. They need that voltage conversion thingie.

I recently got back from a 4 day trip. If I do not leave my phone constantly on, and only use it for emergencies and as my alarm clock, it holds a charge for about 6 days. I don't routinely bring my charger on trips. I'm afraid I'll end up leaving it at the hotel bedside table when I leave.

Plus, were talking thousands of passengers that got stranded by even one airline. I don't think they even want to open that door of letting a couple people use their phones. They'd get a floodgate of people standing in line behind, demanding the same priviledge. Aren't these the SAME airlines that won't pay for their hotel fares and are possibly charging them re-booking fees?


I remember my post-college days when all I could afford was Kraft Mac & Cheese for a week until a check arrived in the mail. Some people really do live paycheck to paycheck.

 

[golfgal]

The reporter said several people traveled without their phone chargers. Remember, it isn't even the same kind of charger that we have here in the U.S. They need that voltage conversion thingie.

I recently got back from a 4 day trip. If I do not leave my phone constantly on, and only use it for emergencies and as my alarm clock, it holds a charge for about 6 days. I don't routinely bring my charger on trips. I'm afraid I'll end up leaving it at the hotel bedside table when I leave.

Plus, were talking thousands of passengers that got stranded by even one airline. I don't think they even want to open that door of letting a couple people use their phones. They'd get a floodgate of people standing in line behind, demanding the same priviledge. Aren't these the SAME airlines that won't pay for their hotel fares and are possibly charging them re-booking fees?


I remember my post-college days when all I could afford was Kraft Mac & Cheese for a week until a check arrived in the mail. Some people really do live paycheck to paycheck.

Why should they, it isn't like it was a mechanical failure that caused the delay. The airlines had ZERO control over this and should not be expected to pay for hotel rooms or food. That is just SILLY. People should take responsibility for themselves and quite frankly, if you don't have enough money to get back in an emergency maybe you shouldn't go in the first place . I would hate to be stranded in the airport for a night let alone 2 weeks but for crying out loud, they are adults, figure out a solution to your problem and whining to a reporter is not it.

 

[Silent1CB]

It was on the news last night about a family having to stay in JFK airport all this time. The next estimated flight back to the UK was in 10 days.

The father is a truck driver, the mother a secretary or teacher. They have no back up funds of any kind. As it was, they had saved up ALL their extra money so they & their 13 year old son could vacation away together, as a family for the first time. for a FEW days. They have no money for a hotel, have been sleeping in the airport and eat ONE meal a day as that's all they can afford. Airport food is NOT cheap either. They spend the whole day at the airport, don't even get to leave & take the $4 subway ride into NYC to do something throughout the day, as that is their meal money.

I don't know where the Red Cross or the emergency relief is supposed to be, that someone mentioned on this thread, but it doesn't seem to be in JFK - one of the largest international airports. This family isn't the only ones stranded at JFK.

I feel sad for these people. Nova Scotia, Canada and some other places took in and took care of our U.S. passengers when all the flights were re-routed & downed right after 9/11. A small town in Nova Scotia did it all for free. As a nation, we should pay it forward what generosity was done for us.

Makes me think of DISers who use paycheck funds and every penny from savings account to go on their trip. These people count on their paycheck being direct deposited while on vacation so they can continue on.

BUT, will this family get a next paycheck if they are not back home to work for it? Maybe they've used up all their time off. So they won't even be getting more money to help them next week.

I cannot image taking a trip that used up every penny I had and needed paycheck to make it work.

 

[Imzadi]

quite frankly, if you don't have enough money to get back in an emergency maybe you shouldn't go in the first place . I would hate to be stranded in the airport for a night let alone 2 weeks but for crying out loud, they are adults, figure out a solution to your problem and whining to a reporter is not it.

People should always plan for erupting volcanoes from other countries, and possibly spending an extra 2 weeks away from home.

BUT, will this family get a next paycheck if they are not back home to work for it? Maybe they've used up all their time off. So they won't even be getting more money to help them next week.

Yes, we are talking about missing TWO weeks of TWO paychecks. Meanwhile, money is seriously going out.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

co-worker of DH's is stranded in UK - his hotel room went from under $100/night to over $300!!! Luckily, it is business and on the companies dime, but can you imagine if it was at your own expense!!! Are there laws over there against gouging!?