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LATEST STORIES
Why we really need FTC help against pandemic travel scams now.
Travel has begun to rebound. A major current misconception for many travelers that prices will be cheap makes many Americans especially vulnerable to various scams. And it makes new bipartisan efforts from Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) and Steve Daines (R-Mont) to highlight pandemic travel scams important.
Are you safe now that the US follows face mask science alone?
The new CDC COVID face mask policy allowing fully vaccinated Americans to generally go maskless follows the science, but I ask if it makes us less safe because it requires no vaccination verification. The Biden Administration has repeatedly said they would follow the...
POLICY
Four airline consumer wins — low-hanging fruit for the DOT Secretary
What should consumers ask of the Secretary of Transportation? Last week a group representing the largest consumer organizations in the country met to figure out what they should discuss with the Secretay of the Department of Transportation (DOT). We wait patiently to...
TRAVEL
Mom’s important travel lessons I will never forget
It’s Mothers Day. It is a good time for me to reflect on my traveles with Mom. I wrote a post thanking my Dad for giving me the gift of travel but my mother taught me how to get the most from travel. From Mom’s travel lessons I learned how to savor travel, how to revel in it, how to learn from it. While Dad provided the opportunities to observe foreign lands and peoples, Mom’s travel lessons were focused on the experiential side of travel.
Real-ID delayed, Mask mandate extended, Rental car shortage, TU Poll
TU checks out the national news and lets readers know important stories. This week we learn about changes in deadlines for REAL-ID. The Mask Mandate is extended to mid-September. Rental cars are in short supply, Plus, you can see the Travelers United reader poll results.
The 24-hour rule: You have a full day to correct 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.
Know the real rules for compensation when you are bumped
Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for “no-shows.” Passengers are sometimes left behind or “bumped” as a result. When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren’t in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation.
How to discover Mother Nature’s little-known gems
Mother Nature’s little-known gems can be found throughout the country. While less well known, these are no less magnificent and wondrous in their ways. A bit of research can reveal often overlooked places that provide a variety of environments to meet any preference.
Who’s in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier? Or is it empty?
One reason, besides paying their respects and the historical significance of the place, that visitors from all over the world visit Arlington National Cemetery is to witness the iconic changing of the guard. Since April 6, 1948, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been guarded 24/7.
How to travel as a pedestrian during lockdown
Amid the restrictions of quarantine, I’m sustained by my favorite form of travel – walking. It’s still safe for most people to spend time outside getting exercise. And as experts affirm, the outdoors may preserve your sanity during a lockdown. When I travel as a pedestrian in my home city of Washington, DC it is my daily salvation.
TRAVEL SAFETY
Is rapid virus testing as good as a vaccine for control?
The advent of COVID-19 rapid testing is allowing many airlines to dream of opening flights prior to the introduction of a vaccine. Travelers United travel to begin again. Ultimately, we want to get a vaccine. However, until then, knowing who is sick and contagious and who is not may be the best we can do.
TRAVEL TIPS
Four airline consumer wins — low-hanging fruit for the DOT Secretary
What should consumers ask of the Secretary of Transportation? Last week a group representing the largest consumer organizations in the country met to figure out what they should discuss with the Secretay of the Department of Transportation (DOT). We wait patiently to...
Why the Boeing 737 MAX can soar again, and soon
National Public Radio (NPR) released a damning report about Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA). However, searing the findings, the report was a rehash of old news, dating back almost two years. The subsequent FAA and Boeing actions have resulted in a good and safe aircraft. The Boeing 737 MAX can soar again.
Did you know auto insurance may pay for a meteor strike?
Did you know auto insurance covers rodents? It’s true. Damage by mice or squirrels is one of the things car insurance routinely includes. However, most drivers don’t know about the coverage. Take a look at your policy. It probably has an “other than collision” clause.
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.
National Consumer Protection Week happened — airline passengers didn’t notice
These seven airline consumer protection principles should guide airline consumer protection. Airline consumer protections were not included in the announcement of the National Consumer Protection Week, the aviaiton consumer groups and Travelers United need to speak out.
Why we need a common flight credit rule for airlines from DOT, now
Travel experts are touting “secret” strategies for extending airline ticket credits. The thought of having to figure out some workaround to get what should be yours is distasteful. Consumers need a common flight credit rule for airlines immediately to deal with this burgeoning problem. In fact, the rule should apply to all travel credits.
Why keeping up with the Jones Act in Alaska is important, now
The Jones Act in Alaska keeps cruise ships at port Almost a dozen years ago Senator John McCain introduced legislation to repeal the 1920 "Jones Act." Now Congress deliberates again. An exception to the Jones Act in Alaska can be a part of rebuilding the post-pandemic...
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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.
