Bringing confidence and peace of mind back to the vacation buying process
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 25 /PRNewswire/ — News and updates about the cost of fuel seem to be everywhere this year. So much so, that it has rapidly become a top-of-the-list item in determining whether or not consumers have chosen to take a vacation. The consistent fluctuations in fuel costs, as well as the overall media buzz surrounding this topic, have both directly and indirectly impacted travel trends such as length of stay, choice of destination and how much people are spending. Most noticeable though, has been the additional costs that some people have been asked to pay to account for these increases, even after their packages have been paid for. And since no one likes to be surprised in this way, what is a vacationer to do?
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This reality has prompted United Vacations to take a hard look at what kind of innovative program would benefit the consumer in this type of environment, as well as give them the confidence to proceed with their travel plans without the worry and hassle about changes in fuel. After all, it should be about the joys of counting down the days until the dream of a vacation finally arrives — shouldn’t it?
This week, United Vacations announces the launch of its FuelSafe Program. A first of its kind in the industry, the program naturally serves as an extension of United Vacations’ overall mission and core focus — excellence in customer service throughout the complete vacation experience.
In its simplest form, FuelSafe protects the customer from airline fuel surcharge increases that may occur after the date in which they buy their vacation package. As a result, customers avoid having to pay more for their vacation whether they’re traveling next week, next month or next year. If the fuel surcharge happens to increase, United Vacations covers the cost. Thus, FuelSafe locks in the cost of fuel and protects the vacation investment.
The program is now an official part of United Vacations platform. This program applies to all destinations (operated by TMTC) and all vacation package types offered by United Vacations, and is available to travel agents through VAX VacationAccess(R) and consumers on Unitedvacations.com.
All that is required of the customer to receive the benefit of the FuelSafe program is to purchase the United Vacations Cancellation Waiver or the WorldCare(SM) Complete Coverage plan at the time of booking. The FuelSafe program falls under the umbrella of benefits of these two travel protection plans. The cost to include one of the two travel protection plans is minimal compared to recent airline fuel surcharge increases. The cost of the Cancellation Waiver is $39-$79 and the WorldCare(SM) Complete Coverage plan is $59-$129, depending upon destination.
“In a tough environment United Vacations recognizes the need to differentiate itself by giving customers a way to make their vacation plans happen with ease and confidence. FuelSafe gives them that sense of security by protecting them from any unforeseen costs. And for anyone who aims to stay within budget when planning their getaway, which is many of us these days, this program helps them do just that,” said Rick Karnes, vice president and general manager of United Vacations. “The addition of FuelSafe is just one more reason why it’s important to protect the vacation investment with our Cancellation Waiver or the WorldCare(SM) Complete Coverage plan.”
For more information regarding FuelSafe visit http://www.unitedvacations.com/fuelsafe call 888-328-6877 or contact a travel agent.
United Vacations’ America, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Ski programs are operated by The Mark Travel Corporation in Milwaukee, one of the largest vacation companies and operators of private-label brands in the United States.
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Source: United Vacations
