Airlines ultimately control issues determining what flights leave on time and what flights are delayed Many travelers don’t realize that all flights are not equally likely to be delayed or leave on time. And, while the algorithm may not be apparent to anyone who...
Changing a return flight on a round-trip ticket can trigger massive additional costs. Whatever they say and however they explain it, increased return flight costs are often pure gravy for the airlines. Indeed, if passengers change from primarily empty to full flights,...
Amazing to say, there is a travel agent shortage today. I dropped in recently at an outdoor travel agent event for one of my favorite hotel groups. There, I met a sales representative who had flown in from Munich to visit their top agencies for the first time in three...
Southwest Airlines’ record-keeping is good — very good. First up, to be honest, like many travel agents, I don’t book Southwest that often. The airline that has, or had, a warm fuzzy relationship with consumers is difficult for those of us in the industry...
The cost of business class is soaring, especially on monopoly routes. With all the concern about the cost of nearly everything these days, few travelers are going to really shed a tear over the cost of business class airfares. On the other hand, price gouging is price...
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 $3,800
Denied boarding (bumping) compensation increased to a maximum of $1,550.
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.
