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LATEST STORIES
Why can foreign transaction fees apply here in the USA?
US consumers waste millions of dollars each year paying foreign transaction fees on credit cards. In many cases don’t even know they are paying these fees. Half of all credit card users don’t know whether their card has a foreign fee. But that is only part of the problem.
Learn to ask yourself this important early check-in question
Most travelers who book hotels and arrive in a city early in the day would love to get early check-in when they arrive. But most hotels have a regular check-in time of 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Knowing this important early check-in question may make all the difference.
POLICY
Why can foreign transaction fees apply here in the USA?
US consumers waste millions of dollars each year paying foreign transaction fees on credit cards. In many cases don’t even know they are paying these fees. Half of all credit card users don’t know whether their card has a foreign fee. But that is only part of the problem.
Know the real rules for best 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.
Know these 10 lost domestic luggage rules for maximum compensation
There are rules that should be followed before traveling. There are rules when traveling and checking in baggage. And, finally, rules when luggage is lost, delayed or damaged. Passengers who follow these rules have far fewer lost and delayed baggage problems and get top compensation from the airlines.
Why airline consumers have the rights of Medieval serfs
Aviation consumers rights litigation is strictly limited to DOT and the federal court system. Passengers must first petition the lords of the Department of Transportation (DOT) for redress. Like Medieval serfs, airline passengers have been denied access to the legal system. That should change.
TRAVEL ADVICE
Learn to ask yourself this important early check-in question
Most travelers who book hotels and arrive in a city early in the day would love to get early check-in when they arrive. But most hotels have a regular check-in time of 3:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. Knowing this important early check-in question may make all the difference.
Cruise lines must install man-overboard systems by 2029
We need new man-overboard systems. Since January 2020 undetected incidents have gone up to 37. That's far too many. Earlier this month, 28-year-old Tyler Barnett was on the Carnival Glory. On a Sunday night, he was last seen at about 11:40 p.m. Man-overboard systems...
Can I sleep on the airport floor? Strategies for very long delays
The airport floor is probably the last place you want to sleep. But it's sometimes the only place for passengers like John Paul Engel. Engel has faced a long delay and nowhere to go on several occasions, including this summer in Miami. He thinks catching a few Zs on...
How Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation created this holiday for our nation
Thanksgiving as a national holiday was not suggested until the mid-1800s. Sarah J. Hale campaigned for years to make Thanksgiving a nationally observed holiday. She wrote to Lincoln on September 28, 1863, and urged him to issue a proclamation. He did on October 3, 1863.
CORONAVIRUS
COVID-19 trip cancellations continue — but sickness waivers are ending
Passengers still face COVID-19 trip cancellations or postponements. As we move into a post-pandemic world, most travel agents will tell you, we're still having people cancel or postpone trips due to COVID-19. Thankfully, for the most part, the disease is not as deadly...
Five ways travel may never go back to pre-COVID days — get ready for a “new normal”
After three years American travelers yearn for a "new normal" for vacation and business travel reality. Many Americans and travelers worldwide may feel as if the pandemic is over. Indeed, after almost three years, everyone wanted to return to normal. But the "new...
How COVID still affects travel even if the virus is weaker
COVID still affects travel. Don't fool with the coronavirus. Respect it. As a travel agent and someone who loves to travel, it's been great to see COVID restrictions loosening on travel worldwide. But COVID still affects travel even if the virus is weaker. Loosened...
It’s not okay to fly when you’re contagious with COVID
Some air travelers think it's alright to fly while contagious with COVID. They are wrong! I know of several people who recently flew while infectious with COVID. I've heard from angry readers who also know people who have flown while contagious with COVID. Other...
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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.
