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LATEST STORIES
Six ways DOT is not delivering passenger protections
The Department of Transportation )DOT) seems to have lost its way when it comes to traveler protections. It doesn’t seem interested in taking care of its real customers, America’s consumers and the airline passengers. The needs of the public seem to be being ignored and the needs of airlines are getting higher billing than those of passengers. The malaise of DOT can be seen in its lackadaisical enforcement of passenger protections rules and its half-hearted efforts at getting rules written to put new laws passed more than a year ago into effect.
This is what travelers forget when they buy trip insurance for spring break
If you’re thinking of going somewhere this spring break, chances are you’ve also been thinking of trip insurance. John Hilton is. He’s got a trip planned to Portugal this spring with his family, and he’s been weighing his trip insurance options. Experts say you...
POLICY
Six ways DOT is not delivering passenger protections
The Department of Transportation )DOT) seems to have lost its way when it comes to traveler protections. It doesn’t seem interested in taking care of its real customers, America’s consumers and the airline passengers. The needs of the public seem to be being ignored and the needs of airlines are getting higher billing than those of passengers. The malaise of DOT can be seen in its lackadaisical enforcement of passenger protections rules and its half-hearted efforts at getting rules written to put new laws passed more than a year ago into effect.
Why can foreign transaction fees apply here in the USA?
US consumers waste millions of dollars each year paying foreign transaction fees on credit cards. In many cases don’t even know they are paying these fees. Half of all credit card users don’t know whether their card has a foreign fee. But that is only part of the problem.
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.
TRAVEL ADVICE
5 travel agent hotel benefits to make for a special stay
Travel agent hotel benefits can make any stay at a hotel a real vacation Many travelers who prefer to do it themselves for simple trips will only call a travel agent for something complicated or fascinating. But, in many cases, when someone is looking for a special...
The seven worst 2026 airport scams you may encounter
I've got the seven worst 2026 airport scams for your review and advice. You need to avoid getting caught by them. Airport scams can make your journey miserable at its start and every time you fly. The scams can result in serious identity and financial theft. It can...
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...
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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.
