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LATEST STORIES
Insider tips for island hopping with the family
The fog over Anacapa Island hung low and thick. “Is that where we’re going?” my daughter asked, waving at the white cliffs that floated in a flat calm Pacific. It was just another day island hopping with the family — and the answer was “yes.” Fascinated by islands? Me...
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Should passengers pay higher airport fees?
Communities have been using federal fees paid for by passengers to pay off long-term construction bonds and for other airport-related infrastructure needs. In some cases, passengers are picking up the full cost of operating the airport. Passengers pay parking fees, taxi surcharges, food-court and shopping override fees, and passenger facility charges (PFCs). Ultimately, passengers pay airline take-off and landing fees. Many times, local community businesses never have to reach into their pockets for funding.
read morePOLICY
Should passengers pay higher airport fees?
Communities have been using federal fees paid for by passengers to pay off long-term construction bonds and for other airport-related infrastructure needs. In some cases, passengers are picking up the full cost of operating the airport. Passengers pay parking fees, taxi surcharges, food-court and shopping override fees, and passenger facility charges (PFCs). Ultimately, passengers pay airline take-off and landing fees. Many times, local community businesses never have to reach into their pockets for funding.
TRAVEL
Insider tips for island hopping with the family
The fog over Anacapa Island hung low and thick. “Is that where we’re going?” my daughter asked, waving at the white cliffs that floated in a flat calm Pacific. It was just another day island hopping with the family — and the answer was “yes.” Fascinated by islands? Me...
Airline consumers have the rights of Medieval serfs
Like Medieval serfs, airline passengers cannot access full legal system America's airline consumers rights litigation is strictly limited in the state and local U.S. court system. Passengers must take a case to the federal courts, which costs great amounts of money,...
read moreThe 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.
read moreHow 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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Christmas videos that laugh at reality and create miracles
Christmas video humor can be brutal. When we find ourselves laughing out loud and cringing at the same time, the comedy routine has hit its stride. And, some airline Christmas video commercials can reveal a softer side of airlines, a side that most passengers do not see so often.
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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.
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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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TRAVEL SAFETY
10 Dos and don’ts for holiday air travel
By now, I hope you've completed all your last minute shopping and you're fully set for your holiday air travel. Even so, you may have questions about holiday air travel about gifts, foods and other items. If you don't fly often, you may also have other questions about...
TRAVEL TIPS
Flying with kids? Here is the survival guide you need
In survey after survey, airline passengers say kids – especially the misbehaving, seat-kicking kind – are their top annoyance. There’s also no love lost between parents and airlines. Family travelers gave the airline industry a C+ in a recent NYU study.
How secure worldwide WiFi can protect you at home and abroad
Help Travelers United keep working for you with Congress and DOT in Washington, enjoy cyber-security every day of the year, download Travel Rights, and save with restaurant certificates every month.Plus, you will be invited to take surveys and polls that make a difference in Washington.
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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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Is it possible to be banned from your airline’s social media account?
Blocking accounts on Facebook or Twitter is common among social media users. But airlines do it, too. Based on interviews with airlines, other travel companies and travelers, as well as my experience mediating travel disputes, blocking customers appears to be on the rise. Understanding why airlines do it can help you avoid getting on a blacklist and ensure that your next complaint is heard.
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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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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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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%
