Allianz Partners Selects Alaska Airlines as First Airline to Offer Proactive SmartBenefits®

RICHMOND, VA, September 16, 2025 – Allianz Partners USA, a leading provider of travel insurance and assistance, has partnered with Alaska Airlines to introduce SmartBenefits® -- an innovative feature that delivers proactive payments to eligible insured guests when travel plans are unexpectedly disrupted by a qualifying travel delay, without the need to file a claim.

Alaska Airlines is the first Allianz airline partner to offer this innovative benefit, reinforcing its commitment to offering guests added peace of mind and convenience. With SmartBenefits®* insured guests receive a fixed payment when their flight is delayed, helping to cover unexpected expenses such as meals and lodging. The proactive travel delay benefit is available on most Allianz travel insurance plans offered through Alaska Airlines, with plans to extend this feature to Hawaiian Airlines guests in the near future— ensuring a consistent guest experience across Alaska Air Group.

What sets this benefit apart 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 guest. The guest can then choose to receive a fast electronic payment or a mailed check—no receipts or claim filing required.  Most domestic plans include a $100 fixed payment for delays as short as two hours, while some products may offer varying coverage and benefits.

“Travel disruptions are never fun, but getting an automatic payment on the spot makes the wait a little easier,” said Emily Hartman, General Manager at Allianz Partners USA. “Alaska Airlines’ insured guests appreciate the convenience and ease of receiving a proactive payment during a qualified delay, and we’re seeing this benefit drive increased satisfaction and loyalty.”

Customer satisfaction scores (CSAT) for travelers who receive SmartBenefits®average an impressive 4.6 out of 5, underscoring the value of this frictionless experience. In addition to automatic payments, customers may still file a claim through Allianz’s portal for additional covered expenses up to the policy limit.

Allianz Partners first launched SmartBenefits® in 2018 on their plans offered by travel advisors.  Since then, millions of customers have had access to this valuable benefit.  Allianz Partners offers travel protection through major U.S. airlines, travel agents, OTAs, hotel companies, cruise lines, and directly to consumers. To learn more about available plans and benefits, visit www.allianztravelinsurance.com.

Media Contact

Allianz Partners USA Media Relations                AllianzTravel@edelmansmithfield.com

About Allianz Partners
In the United States, Allianz Partners USA (AGA Service Company) offers Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans and serves millions of customers each year. In addition to travel protection, the company offers event ticket protection, registration protection for endurance events and unique travel assistance services such as international medical assistance and concierge services. AGA Service Company is doing business as Allianz Global Assistance Insurance Agency in California (License # 0B01400) and Massachusetts. Allianz Partners USA is part of the Allianz Partners group. Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health and life, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer peace of mind to our customers around the world.

For Allianz Partners USA products offered and sold in the U.S.: Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply to all plans. Plans are available only to U.S. residents. Not all plans are available in all jurisdictions. Availability of coverage, including the epidemic-related benefits and covered reasons described here, varies by product and by state. Products may not include all benefits or covered reasons described here. All benefits are subject to maximum limits of liability, which may in some cases be subject to sublimits and daily maximums. Benefits and limits vary by plan. For a complete description of the coverage and benefit limits offered under your specific plan, carefully review your plan’s Letter of Confirmation/Declarations and Certificate of Insurance/Policy. Insurance coverage is underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: Oakbrook Terrace, IL), rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: Richmond, VA), rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101‐C series or 101‐P series, depending on state of residence. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best’s 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Except as otherwise specified, AGA Service Company d/b/a Allianz Global Assistance is the licensed producer and administrator of Allianz Travel-branded travel protection plans in the U.S. and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. Allianz Global Assistance is a mark of AGA Service Company or its affiliates. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between Allianz Global Assistance and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance and assistance services. Noninsurance benefits/products are provided and serviced by Allianz Global Assistance. For plans that include SmartBenefits® Allianz Global Assistance (AGA) will monitor your flights and send flight status and benefit alerts including alerts for qualifying flight delays eligible for automated travel delay payments. Flight information is not automatically updated; please notify AGA of any changes prior to your trip to ensure eligibility for proactive payments. Proactive payments are not available for canceled flights. Automated claims and payment system availability is not guaranteed and is determined solely at the discretion of AGA. Standard message/data rates apply to SMS alerts. You may file a claim directly at any time. All claims are subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions.