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LATEST STORIES
Know the DOT real rules for best compensation when you are bumped
Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for “no-shows.” Passengers are sometimes left behind or “bumped” as a result. When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren’t in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation.
Dress better and improve flying behavior. Will it work?
Uncle Sam wants you to dress better and improve flying behavior. Is there a connection? The Department of Transportation (DOT) started a campaign regarding "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You." This DOT effort aims to encourage passengers to dress better and...
POLICY
Know the DOT real rules for best compensation when you are bumped
Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for “no-shows.” Passengers are sometimes left behind or “bumped” as a result. When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren’t in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation.
Why travelers need to know the middle-name rule
When making reservations for a trip to Europe, I had an opportunity to purchase a flash airfare for myself and a friend. The normal price of $1,000 had been reduced to $700 for several hours. I did not know my friend’s middle name but wanted to purchase the tickets. I believed that because of the 24-hour rule, I could always change the middle name. The rule isn’t quite that simple. I learned an important lesson.
Passengers need an official DOT legal policy
Passengers need a set of judicial rules and precedents for effective litigation in front of DOT. The Department also needs rules about the speed of resolution and how complaints will be handled.
Travelers United works with aviation industry on sustainable aviation fuel
The Sustainable Skies Act has been at least a decade coming. Years ago, when environmental groups were battling airlines, Travelers United met with them to show how economic reality was matching environmental needs. The carbon emissions reduction resulted in an increase in the industry’s bottom line. The goals of environmental carbon reduction and aviation profits fit together.
TRAVEL ADVICE
Dress better and improve flying behavior. Will it work?
Uncle Sam wants you to dress better and improve flying behavior. Is there a connection? The Department of Transportation (DOT) started a campaign regarding "The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You." This DOT effort aims to encourage passengers to dress better and...
This is the most dangerous activity when you travel
When you travel to out-of-the-way places, beware of the ordinary. Forget exotic diseases or wild animals—statistically, the deadliest threat to your international vacation is something you probably do every day without thinking. Renting a scooter might look like...
Airline myths holding the industry back
Avoid airline myths. Jay Sorensen calls on airlines to simplify policies and rebuild customer trust. Jay Sorensen Busts 8 Airline Myths, takes direct aim at widely accepted practices such as upgrade auctions, complex fare-change rules, inconsistent baggage policies,...
How airlines often penalize early birds
Conventional wisdom was to be an early bird and book airline tickets as early as possible. Back years ago, that was true, especially with mileage award tickets. Early birds got the rewards. I have memories of waiting up until midnight 330 days or so in advance in...
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Accomplishments
These accomplishments have been achieved by working closely with our members, national media, the travel industry, the Department of Transportation (DOT), Congress and many other agencies.
- Bi-partisan bill to eliminate hotel resort fees introduced into House of Representatives
- Creation of the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections
- Advertised airfares now include airfare plus, mandatory taxes and fees
- Lost/damaged/delayed luggage compensation limit increased to $3,500
- Passengers have 24 hours to change or cancel their nonrefundable tickets without penalty
- Once an airfare is purchased, that airfare and ancillary fees cannot be increased
- Families flying together act passed by Congress that requires family members 13 years of age and younger to sit with other family members at no additional cost.
