In days of nationwide polarization, there is one subject on which almost ALL Americans agree — we hate resort fees. It was bad enough when they existed just at real resorts and when the amounts were relatively low. Now, resort fees, sometimes called “destination...
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...
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.
– Removal of restaurant fees from DC area eateries — this is an ongoing project
– Creation of DOT Dashboard to outline consumer rights after cancellation of a flight
– 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 $3,800
– 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.
