Travel Case Studies & Practical Application 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A family traveling to Mexico realizes the youngest child's name is misspelled on the airline ticket. What should they do?
- Do nothing — minor name discrepancies are never a problem
- Contact the airline immediately to request a name correction (Correct answer)
- Buy a new ticket under the correct name and abandon the old one
- Have the child travel under a sibling's correctly spelled ticket
Correct answer: Contact the airline immediately to request a name correction
Airlines can usually correct minor name misspellings without a fee if contacted promptly, but TSA requires the name to match the government-issued ID.
Question 2: During a hiking trip in a national park, a traveler's companion breaks an ankle on a remote trail. What is the priority action?
- Leave the injured person and hike out to get help immediately
- Stay with the injured person, call emergency services or use a satellite communicator, and provide first aid (Correct answer)
- Attempt to carry the person out alone to save time
- Signal passing hikers by shouting only
Correct answer: Stay with the injured person, call emergency services or use a satellite communicator, and provide first aid
Staying with the injured party, providing first aid, and using available communication devices ensures the fastest and safest rescue response.
Question 3: A traveler booked a vacation package through an online travel agency (OTA) that has since gone bankrupt. Who should they contact first?
- The foreign consulate of the destination country
- Their credit card company to dispute the charge under purchase protection (Correct answer)
- The bankruptcy court to file as a creditor
- The hotel and airline directly and hope for courtesy rebooking
Correct answer: Their credit card company to dispute the charge under purchase protection
Credit card purchase protection allows travelers to dispute charges for services not received, often providing a faster refund than bankruptcy proceedings.
Question 4: A solo traveler in Southeast Asia gets very sick. They have no travel insurance and need hospitalization. What resource should they contact first?
- The nearest fast-food restaurant for internet access to find a hospital
- The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local medical providers and assistance options (Correct answer)
- Social media to crowdfund medical bills
- Wait until returning home to seek treatment
Correct answer: The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a list of local medical providers and assistance options
U.S. embassies maintain lists of local English-speaking doctors and can assist citizens in medical emergencies, including contacting family members.
Question 5: A tourist in Paris wants to avoid pickpockets on the Metro. Which practice is most effective?
- Carry a dummy wallet with expired cards and small cash as a decoy
- Keep valuables in a money belt or hidden pouch worn under clothing (Correct answer)
- Leave all valuables at the hotel every day
- Avoid the Metro entirely and only use taxis
Correct answer: Keep valuables in a money belt or hidden pouch worn under clothing
A money belt or hidden pouch worn under clothing makes it extremely difficult for pickpockets to access your valuables without your knowledge.
Question 6: A traveler's checked bag is lost by the airline on an international flight. Under the Montreal Convention, what is the airline's liability?
- Unlimited liability for any amount the passenger claims
- Liability capped at approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (about $1,700 USD) (Correct answer)
- No liability — airlines are not responsible for lost bags
- Liability only if the traveler purchased baggage insurance from the airline
Correct answer: Liability capped at approximately 1,288 Special Drawing Rights (about $1,700 USD)
The Montreal Convention sets a liability cap of approximately 1,288 SDRs for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage on international flights.
Question 7: A traveler books an Airbnb but arrives to find the listing does not match the photos — it is in poor condition. What is the best first step?
- Move in and leave a bad review after the stay
- Document the discrepancy with photos and contact Airbnb support before accepting the stay (Correct answer)
- Demand a full cash refund from the host directly
- Contact local police immediately
Correct answer: Document the discrepancy with photos and contact Airbnb support before accepting the stay
Contacting Airbnb support before accepting the stay — with photo documentation — activates their rebooking or refund policies under AirCover for Guests.
Travel Case Studies & Practical Application 3
A family traveling to Mexico realizes the youngest child's name is misspelled on the airline ticket.
What should they do?