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LATEST STORIES
Seven tips you need to know about taking connecting flights
Allow extra time. If you’re already booked for this year it might be too late, but in general, you really want to book a flight with more than usual connecting time. It’s not just winter weather that can cause problems, but around the holidays since flights are particularly full, the “next available flight” may be a long time day, possibly even the next day.
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Marriott-like breaches: 16 actions to prevent data theft & minimize damage if it occurs
In recent weeks, I've written about the massive Marriott data breach in which the accounts of 500 million of its guests were compromised. I've written about what actions affected guests should take and about how and why the U.S. should create a comprehensive...
read morePOLICY
The value of life depends on where you die
Passengers are “worth” different amounts of money in different countries. The value of life varies. The line-up of the value of life is not what many would expect, though a US life does register higher in value than other countries.
TRAVEL
Quilt Barn Trail: A Quaint and Colorful Tour Through Oregon History
Personal history and rural tradition that find a voice in these quilt blocks bring to life customs, folklore and artistic expression reminiscent of the whole Valley.
How to turn passenger protection into airline security
Consumer groups: DOT’s aviation consumer protection advisory committee tilted in favor of industry Washington, DC—America’s leading consumer and passenger rights organizations today expressed deep concern at the lack of appropriate balance in the new membership of the...
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What you need to know about TSA and CBP Facial Recognition
With facial recognition being tested at more and more airports and being rolled out across the nation, the basics need to be accurate and understood by all American citizens.
read moreDOT to Consumers: Drop dead, no protections for you!
Sec. Chao strips Consumer Protection Advisory Committee of all aviation consumer experts. If you were around in 1975, you may remember that New York City was in dire financial straits. The Ford administration rejected the city's bailout request, reported by the New...
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Everything you need to know before you take a scenic drive
America’s scenic trips are unlike any other drive you’ll take. And that’s especially true if you’re doing it with your family. Don’t take the planning lightly. Both you and your family will get more from the trip with these steps.
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These unwanted guests joined us on vacation. Here’s what we did about them
When it comes to vacation trouble, the worst is the kind that you don’t see coming. I’m talking about insects, rodents, and other creepy-crawlies that decide to join you on your getaway. Add kids to that mix and you have the soundtrack for a horror movie.
read moreHow you can enjoy beaches and discover fascinating Cozumel culture
There is more to Cozumel that partying. Discover Mayan ruins and sleepy Caribbean beaches.
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TRAVEL SAFETY
TSA banned items that security fails to detect will blow your mind
Even with security layers, TSA banned items get through airport security. Did you hear about the guy who tried to spirit a .40 caliber rifle past Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents in Baltimore? He blamed his mother for packing the weapon in his...
TRAVEL TIPS
Seven tips you need to know about taking connecting flights
Allow extra time. If you’re already booked for this year it might be too late, but in general, you really want to book a flight with more than usual connecting time. It’s not just winter weather that can cause problems, but around the holidays since flights are particularly full, the “next available flight” may be a long time day, possibly even the next day.
Top 10 travel mistakes and how to avoid them
Over the years, I’ve been collecting a list of the travel mistakes I’ve made and ways to avoid them, when planning for a trip and while traveling. I’ve also saved a list of the advice that readers have taken the time to send me over the years. I’m very grateful for that advice.
read moreCan you smuggle guns by TSA security screeners?
Do travelers smuggle guns by TSA? A new survey that puts the issue into troubling perspective. The research found that a shocking 88% of passengers smuggled prohibited items onto domestic flights. Among the most popular items: marijuana, alcohol and unauthorized weapons like the .40 caliber rifle Mom packed.
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16 easy rental car hacks to prevent trouble for you
Rental car hacks to get a better deal There are many choices that car renters must make for their road trips. There are also hidden issues car renters should consider to ensure they have a cost-effective journey in their rental cars. I've got 16 rental car hacks for...
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Here it is: The best holiday travel advice
You won’t find this holiday travel advice anywhere else. It includes tips on how to behave, how to book, what to pack and how to travel. Be nice to everyone. You trip will go a lot smoother and take plenty of patience.
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Why the human touch is best for troubled travelers
This story about problematic airline delays shows how important it is to look for alternative flights in case your flight doesn’t take off at all.
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How an effective national data plan will protect you
A data-protection plan is needed by all consumers, including travelers. If a data breach occurs, the public needs to know about it sooner than later, because in the end, consumers are their own first line of defense against hackers.
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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.
- 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.
CURRENT TRAVEL POLL
Do you think airlines have gone too far with adding more seats and reducing their size?
- No, they don’t bother me 3%
- Yes, I’m tall and/or overweight so seating is cramped and painful 22.6%
- Yes, I’m short but still find it difficult to get comfortable 28%
- Yes, when the passenger reclines it is almost claustrophobic 46.4%
