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LATEST STORIES
In rare praise of code-share flights
As frequent fliers and Travelers United readers know, code-share flights are usually one of the banes of the travel industry. While they’re great for airline marketing, in general with issues of connections, seats, baggage, etc. they tend to be problematic for consumers. It’s not just the which-airline-am-I-flying confusion. Simply put, airlines just don’t treat someone booked on a code-share flight the same as someone booked on their “own” flights.
15 common hotel booking and check-in mistakes to avoid
With these 15 common steps, you can avoid serious problems at your hotel that could ruin your stay. Last week, I discussed handling unacceptable hotel rooms when you arrive and check in. This week, I discuss mistakes that you can avoid by not making any of the below...
POLICY
Senators reintroduce legislation to ground skyrocketing extra fees
FAIR Fees Act would prohibit airlines from charging unreasonable fees for basic services like reservation changes, carry-on baggage. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04),...
Airline consumers really want to know the full cost of travel
Two recent stories distorted what consumers want when they buy airline tickets. Passengers really don’t care how many fees there are. Nor, do they hate ancillary fees. Consumers just want a way to see the full cost of travel prior to purchasing a ticket.
The 24-hour rule: Passengers have a full day to correct airline ticketing mistakes
The 24-hour rule requires airlines to provide travelers booking flights 24 hours to cancel their trip or correct errors in the booking of any kind of ticket without any charge or fee from airlines.
Why the FAA should not allow big carriers to hoard airport slots
Travelers United was astounded when it learned after the passage of the CARES Act, that a full IATA 2020 Summer Season airport slots waivers were already granted. The waivers were allowed through October 24, 2020. The secret negotiations between FAA, A4A, and IATA were not open to the public. These waivers should not be granted again.
TRAVEL ADVICE
In rare praise of code-share flights
As frequent fliers and Travelers United readers know, code-share flights are usually one of the banes of the travel industry. While they’re great for airline marketing, in general with issues of connections, seats, baggage, etc. they tend to be problematic for consumers. It’s not just the which-airline-am-I-flying confusion. Simply put, airlines just don’t treat someone booked on a code-share flight the same as someone booked on their “own” flights.
15 common hotel booking and check-in mistakes to avoid
With these 15 common steps, you can avoid serious problems at your hotel that could ruin your stay. Last week, I discussed handling unacceptable hotel rooms when you arrive and check in. This week, I discuss mistakes that you can avoid by not making any of the below...
Can you handle an unacceptable hotel room before it ruins your trip?
Here's how to recognize an unacceptable hotel room and how to ensure your actions don't jeopardize your claims against the hotel. If you travel enough, eventually you'll be disappointed with an unacceptable hotel room you booked. It might be that you feel the room is...
All business class is NOT created equal when you fly across the US. Check carefully.
Whether through upgrading with miles, money, or just paying extra, everyone loves the idea of flying business (or first) class. But watch out when flying on transcontinental flights. For international travelers, food and beverage service has evolved since COVID...
CORONAVIRUS
Airlines force contagious passengers to fly? Perhaps next to you.
Airlines oppose a sick passenger rule while they enforce the US protocols against the contagious coronavirus. I often wonder why I am still fighting the good fight to get airlines to create a sick passenger rule. Even after experiencing the worldwide pandemic, we know...
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...
It’s not okay to fly when you’re contagious with COVID
Some air travelers think it's alright to fly while contagious with COVID. They are wrong! I know of several people who recently flew while infectious with COVID. I've heard from angry readers who also know people who have flown while contagious with COVID. Other...
America needs more international travel, today more than ever
Why are Americans shaking in their boots and fighting each other while there is an international push to normalcy again? I just returned from a month in Italy. Other friends of mine live in France and Spain. Yet other international travel analysts traveled from the...
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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.
