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LATEST STORIES
FTC can stop hidden lodging fees. Why won’t it?
Everyone knows that the US has strict truth-in-advertising laws. It shouldn’t be the job of normal consumers to decipher advertising to figure out whether it is true or false. But, inaction from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) means false advertising is growing, especially in the lodging sector.
How to finesse the COVID-19 blame game
Data tell us we need these COVID-19 mandates Scientific and medical experts don't know this virus and how it spreads. Epidemiologists have varying ideas. Economists look at social effects. And, finally, politicians have no idea. Our leaders seem to be the last to know...
POLICY
FTC can stop hidden lodging fees. Why won’t it?
Everyone knows that the US has strict truth-in-advertising laws. It shouldn’t be the job of normal consumers to decipher advertising to figure out whether it is true or false. But, inaction from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) means false advertising is growing, especially in the lodging sector.
TRAVEL
The new abnormal — a report from the front lines of flying
Travelers United’s travel advisor writer flew cross-country. Her report notes that the flying experience, while barebones, was pretty pleasant. She felt quite comfortable in the controlled airport and airline atmosphere. Certainly better than she would have been going to a place where people were ignoring mask rules and social distancing.
Should the world really fear public transportation?
I love the mass transit systems of the world. But, the coronavirus has maligned them and condemned them to the role of the super spreader. After more than four months, that just isn’t true. Society jumped to conclusions. Or the metro systems learned to keep themselves safer.
America needs a temporary FAA mask mandate. Why don’t we have one?
One of the top stock analysts in American agreed with Travelers United. He declared that a national FAA mask mandate is critical for the large-scale resumption of business travel during the coronavirus pandemic. Travelers United made this argument more than a month ago.
Is it time to unmask aviation? No!
Airlines are requiring passengers to wear face masks aboard planes. Enforcement can be banishment from future flights on the airline where the passengers refused to put on the face mask. Should travelers be allowed to travel unmasked?
Is the American road trip different after coronavirus
The old-fashioned road trip is back. Road trips are big this summer. One-third of the respondents to a new survey say they’ll drive more in the second half of 2020 than they did for the same period a year before. But don’t expect the country to change in unison after the pandemic.
Souvenirs can bring my trips back to life
My body is home but my mind is roaming the globe. I’m stalking endangered mountain gorillas in Uganda. We interact with animals and people in the Amazon. I cling to a tiny saddle on a camel strolling through the Sahara Desert. These are among countless memories that remain alive in souvenirs brought back from the more than 70 countries I have visited.
Check out cutting edge street art in the fresh air
The city is an outdoor street art gallery. You can enjoy cutting-edge art in the streets while museums and galleries are closed. Find cool murals and open-air installations while exploring new neighborhoods. It’s free for the viewing. Add street art tours to your agenda when you’re able to travel again.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Is the art of social distancing on a plane possible?
Finding adequate personal space on a flight — especially in economy class — hasn’t been easy since the late 1970s, when the government deregulated airlines. Over time, airlines moved the seats closer together to accommodate more passengers and make more money. Now, at a time when social distancing is necessary, personal space is a scarce but vital commodity.
TRAVEL TIPS
Does airline club membership make sense in today’s airline world?
Before COVID-19, airline club membership provided a worthwhile service. But with clubs being closed there should be more discounts One of many temporary casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic is the airline club membership experience. This post focuses on United's...
How to buy medical evacuation insurance. Do you need it?
Medical evacuation insurance is included in most travel insurance policies. It covers the cost of being transferred to a higher-level care facility or transported to a facility closer to home. Sometimes, that requires a medical evacuation with an air ambulance.
What cruise changes are coming to the post-COVID world
Hit hard by COVID-19, major cruise changes are coming to ships and new protocols to prevent the virus' transmission. The cruise industry was hit hard by COVID-19. To an extent, in my opinion, it was self-inflicted, as the cruise industry was slow to react to COVID-19...
How to choose restaurants in a post-COVID restaurant world
Restaurants are important to travelers. They can introduce us, often like no other place, to local tastes and culture. They are different than other travel venues in that diners can’t wear face masks most of the time. Restaurants will need to make serious changes in their physical layout, protocols, and procedures to keep us safe.
Your car rental in a post-pandemic world
It might seem like the car rental process hasn’t changed. One reason: The companies have been keeping a low profile. MediaRadar reports that car rental company ad spending plummeted 95% between January and April. But it’s not business as usual, according to experts. Far from it.
COVID-19 has forced big TSA changes at checkpoints
When you arrive, you’re in for some surprises at TSA checkpoints. There are new big TSA changes being made to protect the flying public and TSA agents. These new rules are just now being implemented.
What do Americans really want in travel after the pandemic?
The travel industry must restore confidence after the pandemic Mention how travel has changed after the pandemic — abandoned airport terminals and aborted vacations probably come to mind. But talk to someone like Jennifer Zwicky, and she'll tell you how travel...
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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.
