After the pandemic and the extraordinary efforts at cleanliness, disinfection, and safety, will my stay be as good as before? Some of my clients think I have a crystal ball. They ask what happens after the pandemic. But as I write this, I fully understand that travel...
For some of us, “Old Fashioned” is the way to travel — with paperback books. Admission upfront — I’m a travel agent and a regular traveler. It is easy to understand the advantages of reducing weight and bulk in luggage and limiting what’s in a...
Extra fees mean different things to airlines, travelers, and corporate travel departments. Airlines love service charges and surcharges. They result in pure profit. And can cover just about anything. Travelers look at the bottom line — the final cost of the trip....
Will the pandemic slow down the disappearance of tiny toiletries in hotels? I admit it. While I support environmental measures, I’ve always had a soft spot for hotel tiny toiletries. Maybe it started with my grandparents. They adorned their main bathroom with...
Once upon a time, everyone wanted nonstop flights. With COVID, passengers think about connecting flights. Okay, so there are rare exceptions — frequent flier mileage, or getting to smaller, closer airports (National over Dulles for Washington DC, for example). On a...
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.
Airlines Refunds: DOT enforcement notice that all airline tickets canceled by the airlines must be repaid to include all airfare, taxes and added fees with cash not airline credits.
Bi-partisan bill to eliminate hotel resort fees introduced into House of Representatives
Creation of the DOT Consumer Advocate to focus on aviation consumer protections
Full Fare Act — Advertised airfares now include all 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 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.
