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LATEST STORIES
Mommy, where is the restroom? I have to go!
Finding a place to go to the bathroom has always been a problem for tourists. For years fast-food restaurants and coffee houses were the only places with public restrooms. And, today, many are not open to the public during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Regular restaurants are closed in many cities and states, except for take out. And that means far fewer toilets for the traveling public.
DOT should take these passenger protection actions today
Travelers United tells DOT, "Focus on already started airline passenger protection actions." Travelers United sees four areas where the DOT Secretary can change the system and get airline passenger protection actions with the stroke of a pen. We do not want to involve...
POLICY
DOT should take these passenger protection actions today
Travelers United tells DOT, "Focus on already started airline passenger protection actions." Travelers United sees four areas where the DOT Secretary can change the system and get airline passenger protection actions with the stroke of a pen. We do not want to involve...
How to not be deceived by airline seating hanky-panky
Airline seating rules vis a vis reservation fees are a mess. Some airlines have no reservations, others seem to want to keep passengers in the dark. Why? When should airlines release their unassigned seats to the public?
Travelers United works with aviation industry on sustainable aviation fuel
The Sustainable Skies Act has been almost 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.
What airline passenger changes may look like in a couple of years
Congress is working on airline passenger change right now. Bills in DC take a few years to develop, and consumer groups are currently working on the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill. Travelers United is working with House and Senate congressional committees, airlines,...
TRAVEL ADVICE
Mommy, where is the restroom? I have to go!
Finding a place to go to the bathroom has always been a problem for tourists. For years fast-food restaurants and coffee houses were the only places with public restrooms. And, today, many are not open to the public during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Regular restaurants are closed in many cities and states, except for take out. And that means far fewer toilets for the traveling public.
How to communicate with others when you don’t speak their language
It’s a problem as old as the Tower of Babel: When you don't speak their language how do you communicate? Anna-Marie Cartagena found herself in this situation on a recent visit to a spice market in Israel. The employee spoke no English, and Cartagena didn’t speak...
Seven questions to ponder before booking a perfect Hawaiian vacation
Hawaii’s a dream destination for many people, and as a travel agent, one of my favorite places to sell. But, as I’ve learned from dealing with a lot of first-timers, and even repeat travelers, it’s a destination with a lot of questions beyond the basics — name, birthdate, budget, preferred airline and which island. Sometimes even which island’s up in the air.
There are many ways to miss flights. Pay attention!
Yes, there are many ways to miss flights. Missing a flight is a recurring nightmare for frequent fliers. In some cases, a literal nightmare, as friends have told me. These days, airports are largely upping their game on restaurant choices, along with options for things like manicures, spa treatments, and shopping that is actually interesting, necessary, and affordable. Don’t forget your departure time.
CORONAVIRUS
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...
Easy to get a COVID test before flying? CDC should try to do it!
Finding COVID tests in Europe is real work. I've been in Venice for the past three weeks. I have been asked repeatedly about how Americans returning home can get their COVID test before flying. At first, I said it was easy, just like the CDC. Then I learned that...
Why ending mask mandates probably won’t end air rage
Mask mandates are not the only problems that airlines face. This point is not about the third rail, or perhaps I should say, the middle seat, of arguing airline mask mandates. As of the time of writing, mask mandates are gone. And even had a judge not struck down the...
Confusion over mask mandate is affecting more people today than ever
The elimination of the national transportation mask mandate, rising COVID cases and changing COVID standards are confusling travelers. For many Americans, this past week was one of the most confusing times since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Across the nation, while...
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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.
