BE HEARD: TRAVELERS UNITED GIVES YOU A VOICE IN TRAVEL
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LATEST STORIES
How to avoid electronic toll collection penalties
More and more travelers on the nation’s highways during this pandemic are finding tolls on roads that have no system for manual toll collection — only electronic toll collection systems. Out-of-state traveler without a local FastPass, EZ-Pass, SunPass, or other local toll-collection passes should not be penalized.
Will this year’s holiday travel help international flying?
International flights are a two-way street, or rather a two-way air corridor. The U.S. government has been making some small changes indicating at least their wish to resume more normal travel.
POLICY
Avoid TSA COVID risks at security checkpoints
There are three significant TSA COVID risks at TSA (Transportation Security Administration) airport security checkpoints. These health and safety problems are putting air travelers at continued harm’s way.
TRAVEL
How to enjoy nearby travels — the new normal
The average person who traveled, or planned to travel, in 2020 kept their vacation destination within four hours of home. Respondents said there are vacation opportunities within 50 miles of their home. More than half agreed this type of vacation can be just as enjoyable as going somewhere farther away.
What does your car know about you?
In the past, sensor-collected data stayed with the car. However, starting with GM’s OnStar system data has been transmitted to outside companies. Three-quarters of 44 brands provide wireless data connection in their 2018 model-year cars. This data collection allows corporate analysts to develop a detailed portrait of both car and driver — how it performs and whether drivers obey the law.
What is the ugly truth if airline virus bailout is not approved
America’s airlines and their labor unions are meeting with politicians at the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives. They are all looking for another $25 billion airline virus bailout. Why should they get bailed out? What will happen if they do not succeed?
Passengers want a better post-pandemic world. Airlines want more money.
Consumer advocates are the only organizations not begging for money. Lobbyists and industry stakeholders race around DC asking Congress for money, Meanwhile, consumers look for solutions and for ways to use taxpayer dollars intelligently.
Is the nearby vacation trending during the pandemic?
Americans are staying close to home and taking shorter vacations. They did it this summer, and they’ll do it again this Thanksgiving and Christmas, the other two most popular vacation periods. The way we take time off is changing — has been changing for years — and this is only the latest stage in the evolution of the American vacation.
Please donate to Travelers United — keep us working for you
Thank you to every Travelers United reader. We need your help to keep working for you — especially during the pandemic. Travelers United has done more for travelers than any other organization in Washington, DC. After the COVID-19 pandemic, travel will come back. However, consumers still need a voice with Congress, the DOT, and the travel industry. We work for you every day to make travel better and work for YOU.
Why packing light is a must for most travelers
Every traveler has his or her own methods of packing. These are my rules for deciding what and how many bags to pack for different types of trips. Whether it’s to avoid airline bag fees or to simply not have to carry around so much weight — especially if you won’t be spending the night in the same place for most of your trip — there are many good reasons to pack light.
TRAVEL SAFETY
The most important pandemic lessons learned about travel
We know that COVID-19 is transmitted through the air, that masks stop it. It infects people everywhere. Governments failed travelers and that misinformation about COVID kills. Today, we know more pandemic lessons that will make dealing with the next spike more successful.
TRAVEL TIPS
How to avoid electronic toll collection penalties
More and more travelers on the nation’s highways during this pandemic are finding tolls on roads that have no system for manual toll collection — only electronic toll collection systems. Out-of-state traveler without a local FastPass, EZ-Pass, SunPass, or other local toll-collection passes should not be penalized.
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.
Female crash dummies have no place in testing
Female crash dummies are not used in car crash testing An extensive study by Consumer Reports concluded that crash testing is biased. The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing is biased against women. These issues are the result of...
Faster airport security for your good health
Passengers are doing everything they can to avoid standing in long security lines, even as the Transportation Security Administration has implemented new screening rules. Although there are new social distancing measures in place, airport security checks aren’t risk-free.
Will this year’s holiday travel help international flying?
International flights are a two-way street, or rather a two-way air corridor. The U.S. government has been making some small changes indicating at least their wish to resume more normal travel.
The best tip for a great hotel stay — get a hotel human touch
Sometimes the hotel human touch works wonders even in a touchless world These days there are all kinds of commercials and online ads for great hotel websites and apps. Many intimate that booking through them will get you some glorious room or suite at a good price....
How Hawaii plans to reopen — 6th time is the charm
If travelers want to come to Hawaii and avoid quarantine, they will need proof of a COVID-19 test with results within 72 hours of arrival. You will also need to provide your contact information and observe protocols, which include social distancing and masks. Tourists who have been tested but don’t have results must quarantine until the results arrive.
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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.
