BE HEARD IN DC:
ADD YOUR VOICE TO OTHER TRAVELERS.
MAKE YOUR TRAVEL ISSUES RESONATE.
Travelers United is the #1 advocacy group in travel. Your Support Helps Us Continue Our Education, Research, and Advocacy. Be heard!
LATEST STORIES
Why do DOT changes move slowly? Consumer advocates want to know
DOT changes move slowly, very slowly. I was the first consumer on the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections. Most of our suggestions to DOT are still only suggestions. DOT only considers them when pestered regularly.
When airline no-shows make sense and when they don’t
In general, being an airline no-show for a ticketed airline flight means a traveler will lose any value on the ticket. Which means, in general, it’s not a great idea. On the other hand, there are times when it’s a very sensible alternative to be an airline no-show.
POLICY
Why do DOT changes move slowly? Consumer advocates want to know
DOT changes move slowly, very slowly. I was the first consumer on the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections. Most of our suggestions to DOT are still only suggestions. DOT only considers them when pestered regularly.
Why we need a common flight credit rule for airlines from DOT — now
Travel experts are touting “secret” strategies for extending airline ticket credits. The thought of having to figure out some workaround to get what should be yours is distasteful. Consumers need a common flight credit rule for airlines immediately to deal with this burgeoning problem. In fact, the rule should apply to all travel credits.
DOT needs more airline passenger service rules, not less
I never can feel sorry for airline passenger service requirements dictated by DOT that protect passengers. If anything, customer service protections need more strength and enforcement rather than less. The public needs help from DOT to keep the current program of regulations effective. Plus, we need some new rules.
What data does your car collect about your life?
In the past, sensor-collected data stayed with the car. However, starting with GM’s OnStar system data has been transmitted to outside companies. Three-quarters of 44 brands provide wireless data connection in their 2018 model-year cars. This data collection allows corporate analysts to develop a detailed portrait of both car and driver — how it performs and whether drivers obey the law.
TRAVEL ADVICE
When airline no-shows make sense and when they don’t
In general, being an airline no-show for a ticketed airline flight means a traveler will lose any value on the ticket. Which means, in general, it’s not a great idea. On the other hand, there are times when it’s a very sensible alternative to be an airline no-show.
Caution: Bedbugs — Leave them in hotels
There are few things worse than bedbugs while you're traveling. Steering clear of bedbugs while traveling and preventing them from hitching a ride with you when returning home is essential. Earlier this year, giant pest control company Orkin published its 2025 bedbugs...
Travelers are worried about car rental safety. Here’s how to avoid a problem
Everything seemed fine when Josie Daigle rented a car in Boston from a national chain. A quick look was all she gave the car rental safety check. The cursory glance at the vehicle before she drove off with her two young kids suggested the car was safe. It wasn't safe....
PFC — How airports are funded by passengers instead of local businesses
How PFC are used for airport funding Airports should allocate infrastructure funds effectively and share their airport costs among all airport users – passengers and businesses in the region surrounding the airport. However, with free federal money coming in,...
CORONAVIRUS
Why passengers need common airline flight credit rules
We need common airline flight credit rules for airfare refunds and flight credit protection. The refund issue has been screwed up for consumers since the beginning. It is a major issue with more than $10 billion in outstanding flight credits, estimated by the Wall...
Why airlines need to fix a major sick-passenger change fee issue
Major US carriers getting rid of change fees was a welcome change for travelers, even if we weren’t in a pandemic. However, airlines still have no consistent sick-passenger rule for allowing changes due to illness.
Five ways travel may never go back to pre-COVID days — get ready for a “new normal”
After three years American travelers yearn for a "new normal" for vacation and business travel reality. Many Americans and travelers worldwide may feel as if the pandemic is over. Indeed, after almost three years, everyone wanted to return to normal. But the "new...
How COVID still affects travel even if the virus is weaker
COVID still affects travel. Don't fool with the coronavirus. Respect it. As a travel agent and someone who loves to travel, it's been great to see COVID restrictions loosening on travel worldwide. But COVID still affects travel even if the virus is weaker. Loosened...
DESTINATIONS
FOLLOW
SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER
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.
