Alaska Airlines became the first carrier to introduce SmartBenefits, a feature from Allianz Partners USA, a travel insurance provider. The product delivers proactive payments to insured travelers when plans are unexpectedly disrupted by a qualifying travel delay without the need to file a claim. SmartBenefits is part of the package when travelers purchase insurance when booking an Alaska Airlines flight.

What sets the benefit apart, according to an announcement, is its automated monitoring and seamless delivery. Allianz Partners tracks flight delays in real time and when a qualifying delay is detected, sends a text or email notification to the insured customer. The customer can then choose to receive a fast electronic payment or a mailed check – no receipts of claim filing required. Most domestic plans include a $100 fixed payment for delays as short as two hours.

Dan Durazo, director of external communications at Allianz Partners,  told BTE that “corporate travelers will love it”. They travel frequently, he said, and are more likely to experience delays.

Allianz Partners first launched SmartBenefits in 2018 on plans offered by travel advisors and, according to the company, millions of customers have had access to this benefit.