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LATEST STORIES

POLICY

Airlines make kids vulnerable as sexual assaults soar

Airlines make kids vulnerable as sexual assaults soar

August 15, 2018

Airlines make kids vulnerable to sexual predators by charging families extra to sit together. Even though Congress, two years ago passed a law requiring DOT to study the issue and make specific rules to allow family members 13 and younger to sit together with families, DOT has not even begun a rulemaking to study the problem.

TRAVEL

Is it arrogance or ignorance that makes one an “ugly tourist”?

Is it arrogance or ignorance that makes one an “ugly tourist”?

August 18, 2018

As locals in a tourist town, I complain about ugly tourists. Some destinations even have signs that ask, “If it is tourist season, can we shoot them?” So, imagine my chagrin when I joined the ranks of stupid tourists on a recent trip to Wales only because of ignorance.

DOT needs more airline customer service regulations, not less

DOT needs more airline customer service regulations, not less

I never can feel sorry for airline customer 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.

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America’s top consumer groups support FAIR Fees Act in Senate

America’s top consumer groups support FAIR Fees Act in Senate

Top consumer groups clearly announce support of the FAIR Fees act. When an industry that has near monopolistic power over its fees and when all major network carriers match each other fees dollar for dollar, consumers need protection. DOT has abrogated any responsibility for protecting consumers from unfair pricing practices. Congress, now, needs to take action.

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“Southwest Effect” drives airfares down

“Southwest Effect” drives airfares down

Southwest flights drive airfares down and passengers up. The Southwest Effect is back in the news. The Southwest Effect is a phenomenon where airports that are a major hub for Southwest Airlines end up having cheaper fares on average. A recent study showed that the...

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Dangerous vacations can be a good thing

Dangerous vacations can be a good thing

Danger can add interest for family vacations Where should you go on vacation? If you don't have to answer that question because you're just planning to lie on the beach for a week or read a book while the kids splash in the pool, then wake up. You can make your next...

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TRAVEL SAFETY

TRAVEL TIPS

10 losses travel insurance doesn’t or might not cover

10 losses travel insurance doesn’t or might not cover

Here are ten major loss areas that travel insurance policies may or may not cover. Only 21 percent of travelers purchase travel insurance. An amazing 49 percent of travelers polled admitted to not being sure of what travel insurance covers, so it’s not surprising so few people purchase it, especially considering its added cost to a trip.

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8 ways to put child safety first

8 ways to put child safety first

While the FAA recommends the measures outlined by the NTSB, it has remained resolute in exempting children under two so their parents can save the cost of their fares. Many parents take advantage of the exemption, holding their infant in their laps, gambling with their child’s life. While severe turbulence continues to be relatively rare, it only takes one accident or one incident of severe turbulence to lose a child.

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Don’t lose it over lost luggage

Don’t lose it over lost luggage

More bags are lost than airlines are willing to admit. When luggage disappears, passengers are often pulled into a baffling world of forms, phone lines with prerecorded messages and endless waits. But you have more rights than you realize when your bags disappear, and there are long-term solutions to this irritating aspect of air travel.

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WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR YOU?

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.

  • 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.
VIEW ALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

CURRENT TRAVEL POLL

Do you think airlines have gone too far with adding more seats and reducing their size?

  •   No, they don’t bother me 3%
  • Yes, I’m tall and/or overweight so seating is cramped and painful 22.6%
  • Yes, I’m short but still find it difficult to get comfortable 28%
  • Yes, when the passenger reclines it is almost claustrophobic 46.4%