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LATEST STORIES
Mommy, where is the restroom? I have to go!
The most unanswered question tourists ask today: Where is the restroom? 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...
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.
POLICY
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 pay for airports now — look elsewhere for more money
The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is holding its first full committee hearing today. Chairman Peter Defazio (D, OR) has already proposed a “solution” to funding airport improvement projects. He is asking airline passengers to foot the bill. For years, Travelers United has stood firmly against increased taxation of airline passengers.
DOT denied boarding (or bumping) compensation rules you should know
Here is a recap of the DOT denied boarding rules today. Note the exceptions to these rules. Passengers must meet the required check-in times. No compensation is needed. Passengers should check the airline's "boarding priority." Passengers should know the rules that...
How you can find on-time statistics on airline websites
On-time statistics are important for travelers. DOT recognizes this importance. Travelers use arrival times in order to plan for enough time to get to connecting flights. Many also hope that checked baggage makes the connection as well,
TRAVEL ADVICE
Mommy, where is the restroom? I have to go!
The most unanswered question tourists ask today: Where is the restroom? 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...
Online booking mistakes — slow down for better travel
Thanks to technology, travel can be booked with a few quick swipes and clicks. For most people, it means the process is much faster. It also means more online booking mistakes.
90-minute cruise cabin overlooked embarkation essentials checklist
Go through this 90-minute, 16-point checklist of overlooked embarkation essentials. Use it immediately after boarding your cruise ship. Last week, I discussed the problem of cruisers missing their sailings because of poor planning and flight delays. This week, it's...
Will airlines get a free pass from the government?
Airlines get a free pass from the government. A proposed policy change would eliminate most airline fines. Here's how it could affect passengers. Picture this: You're driving 85 in a 65-mph zone, and a state trooper pulls you over. But instead of a $200 ticket, he...
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...
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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.
