Chase Ultimate Rewards is known for having some of the best credit cards in award travel. Having been a part of their reward program with multiple cards, I can attest to the many benefits their cards provide.
One item that I’ve consistently seen minimal coverage on is travel purchase coverage. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card, however, offers what’s called “Travel Delay Reimbursement” coverage.
The terms and conditions state, “If your common carrier travel is delayed more than 12 hours or requires an overnight stay, you and your family are covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500 per ticket ** These benefits are available when you use your card.”
I put the Travel Delay Reimbursement to the test when I had to stay overnight in Nashville after missing a connection. It’s worth stating the obvious that you MUST have booked the original flight with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
When I realized I missed my connecting flight, I called Chase who confirmed my Sapphire Preferred would cover expenses caused by the delay. Upon receiving this confirmation, I then paid for a hotel, transportation from the airport, and dinner (including alcohol).
The next morning, I also paid for breakfast and transportation back to the airport. In total, I spent $471 on the card.
To receive the reimbursement, you must go through the reimbursement process. AGA Services Company (EClaims) is the insurer of the claim. All documents, files, and correspondence will go through AGA.
An Added Chase Preferred Sapphire Benefit: Travel Delay Reimbursement
Settlement from Carrier
Once the expense transactions cleared my account, I put together the following items: I drafted a letter, saved the document as a PDF and emailed it as an attachment with the EClaims application.
Here’s the language I used in the letter, “To Whom It May Concern: I have not received any reimbursements from a third-party for these claimed expenses and will not solicit or accept any reimbursement in the future. Sincerely, Michael McHugh”.
The key here is to not accept any reimbursement from the airline.
Multiple Payment Methods
I drafted a letter and emailed it as an attachment with the EClaims application.
Here’s the language I used in the letter, “To Whom It May Concern: Please note that I have only charged payment to the Chase credit card ending in _ _ _ _ for these transactions. Please see corresponding expense receipts to reflect one method of payment was used. Sincerely, Michael McHugh”.
FlightAware
I provided screenshots (use an app like FlightAware) that showed my connecting flight leaving Nashville before my original flight landed in Nashville.
Common Carrier Statement
Statement from the airline providing confirmation via email of the delay. I called Southwest, explained what happened and that I was filing a claim, and they then provided me with a statement via email.
Expenses
Charge all expenses (transportation, hotel, meals, etc.) to your card and keep the receipts.
Charge Receipt
Provide a copy of your Sapphire Preferred statement showing the original airline transaction on your card.
Original Itinerary
Email showing confirmation of the original itinerary. I also drew red rectangles around the dates of the flights, cost of the flights, and payment type.
Updated Itinerary
New boarding pass and/or email reflecting the updated flight schedule. I drew red rectangles around the date of the flight.
Next Steps
With the documents above, I went to EClaims and selected “New Claim.”
You’ll need to fill out the requested information, and you’ll receive a claims application. EClaims will email the application to you, and you’ll attach the documents and the application, sending an email to the email address provided by EClaims to get the process started.
I filed my claim on 09/12/17 and received a claim number via email that day.
I received an email on 09/22/17 requesting:
- A copy of the original itinerary showing the last 4 digits of the covered account number, the dates of travel, and cost of the trip
- A copy of the settlement response outlining or declining payment from the Common Carrier.
I received the next correspondence email on 10/10/17 requesting:
- A copy of the original itinerary or boarding pass showing the date and time of the rescheduled trip.
I submitted a copy of the itinerary that day. Several weeks later, I received a $471 check in the mail on 11/01/17, dated 10/24/17.
From the time I filed the claim to the time I received the physical check, it took 50 days.
It’s obviously tedious to put this information together, but the $471 payoff makes it totally worth it end the end.
Conclusion on this Added Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefit
That’s it! This is my experience with a little known benefit that saved me nearly $500.
Do you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred? Which Chase Sapphire Preferred Benefit do you use? Please let me know in the comments or by sending me an email on my contact page.
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