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LATEST STORIES
No car required — navigating cities easily and inexpensively
Modern technology has transformed how people navigate cities and metropolitan areas, regardless of the mode of travel they choose. In particular, it has made it remarkably easier to figure out how to use public transportation systems — a task that previously required carrying and understanding often complex maps and schedules. Now, you can simply type your destination into a smartphone and be guided how to get there using buses and trains, combined with walking. You can see when the next bus or train is predicted to arrive at your nearest stop, and easily figure out where individual routes go and where to connect between routes.
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Passengers should be compensated for airline IT failures
There are a series of flight delay compensation problems that are caused by airline information technology (IT) failures, yet airlines accept little responsibility for their own actions and force passengers to pay.
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POLICY
Passengers should be compensated for airline IT failures
There are a series of flight delay compensation problems that are caused by airline information technology (IT) failures, yet airlines accept little responsibility for their own actions and force passengers to pay.
TRAVEL
Inn at Montchanin — a Du Pont residence where time seems to stand still
The village of Montchanin was worlds apart from the splendor in which the DuPonts lived. It was named to honor Anne Alexandrine de Montchanin, the grandmother of Eleuthère. Many of its early residents worked at the family-owned powder mills. Today’s visitors enter a tranquil setting of landscaped walkways, gentle terraces, and attractive gardens. They find 21 structures including 11 lovingly restored buildings dating from 1799 to 1910. Most have their roots in the locale, having been constructed of native stone, wood, and other materials.
Does Hawaii’s sunscreen ban make sense?
Can a sunscreen ban save the coral reefs? Last week, Hawaii governor David Ige (D) signed legislation banning companies from selling and distributing sunscreens in Hawaii that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. They've been identified as products that cause serious...
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Amtrak service declines as it becomes an airline on rails
For six months, Amtrak — the nation’s quasi-governmental de-facto monopoly rail passenger carrier — has been led by former Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson. Perhaps not surprisingly, Amtrak service has had a number of policy changes, some minor and others more significant, during Anderson’s tenure. His Amtrak service changes bring the railroad closer to service practices in the airline industry.
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FAIR Fees Amendment should be passed by Congress to limit airline greed
Is the FAIR Fees Amendment a return to airfare regulation or is it simply a protection of consumers from a consolidated aviation marketplace. Every major network air carrier — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines — charge indefensible change and cancellation fees of $200 for domestic travel and $300 for international travel. Not one of these airlines has justified their exorbitant charges.
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Pamplona fiesta: Reasons to return
Today is the first day of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. The bulls will run for the next seven mornings. During the rest of teh festival dancing, bands, wine, and bullfights combine with the diverse personalities of people from across the world to create an addictive atmosphere. The magic of this fiesta is the virtual suspension of time combined with a chance to live life minute by minute.
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Amtrak service declines as it becomes an airline on rails
For six months, Amtrak — the nation’s quasi-governmental de-facto monopoly rail passenger carrier — has been led by former Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson. Perhaps not surprisingly, Amtrak service has had a number of policy changes, some minor and others more significant, during Anderson’s tenure. His Amtrak service changes bring the railroad closer to service practices in the airline industry.
read more
Basic commandments for foreigners visiting the USA
Here are some basic commandments for visiting the USA. Our country is vast and what happens in one place probably won’t be repeated in another part of the country. We are diverse and come in every size, shape, and color. Please don’t make snap judgments that we’re one and the same.
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TRAVEL SAFETY
Ready for your summer road trip? Check your tires!
Before your summer road trip is the right time to check tires When heading on your summer road trip, don’t blow your summer vacation. And I mean that literally. Check your tires carefully. It looks like another big summer for driving. More than seven in 10 Americans are planning a road trip, according to the latest Hankook Gauge Index, a quarterly survey of American motorists.
TRAVEL TIPS
No car required — navigating cities easily and inexpensively
Modern technology has transformed how people navigate cities and metropolitan areas, regardless of the mode of travel they choose. In particular, it has made it remarkably easier to figure out how to use public transportation systems — a task that previously required carrying and understanding often complex maps and schedules. Now, you can simply type your destination into a smartphone and be guided how to get there using buses and trains, combined with walking. You can see when the next bus or train is predicted to arrive at your nearest stop, and easily figure out where individual routes go and where to connect between routes.
The FAA is allowing smaller airplane seats to become death traps
The FAA is refusing to release emergency evacuation test data that shows smaller airplane seats and added passengers on planes still allow 90-second evacuation. The American public is growing larger and that airplane personal space is shrinking.
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8 ways to put child safety first
While the FAA recommends the measures outlined by the NTSB, it has remained resolute in exempting children under two so their parents can save the cost of their fares. Many parents take advantage of the exemption, holding their infant in their laps, gambling with their child’s life. While severe turbulence continues to be relatively rare, it only takes one accident or one incident of severe turbulence to lose a child.
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Hotel safety is still primarily on the shoulders of guests
Hotel security and hotel safety have been in the news lately. Both Hilton and Disney changed their “Do Not Disturb” policy. While the new policy will help make hotel guests safer, it’s still incumbent on guests to take personal responsibility for their own safety.
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When airline connections are changing terminals, plan ahead
Travelers can experience real hassles with problems of changing terminals for connecting flights. Connecting on flights that arrive in one terminal with another that departs in a different terminal can be a major challenge.
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How to handle a vacation rental disaster
To say that Alan Muskat’s accommodations in Costa Rica were a vacation rental disaster would be an understatement. “It was horrid,” Muskat says. Mosquitoes buzzed through gaping holes in the screens. Termites infested the kitchen. The roof leaked. “Worst of all, it had fleas,” he remembers.
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Airline water and beverage rules — Drink bottled water, no alcohol, and no caffeine
Airline water is often polluted. I don't know about you, but while flying, I like to stay hydrated with cold bottled water plus, occasionally, tomato juice. If I eat on a flight, usually food brought from home or prepared at my hotel, while I'd love to have a nice cup...
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WHAT HAVE WE DONE FOR YOU?
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%
