Let’s be honest — if airlines could operate without humans, they would. Already, there’s a move towards kiosks and apps rather than talking to humans at the airport, or even speaking with a person on the phone. It appears to normal flyers that a love-hate...
The human touch still beats technology during problematic delays. My client had a business class ticket to Paris from Newark, which meant the trip should have been a pleasure. Even with delays due to bad weather in New York, the plane was only an hour late. Then there...
Once upon a time, we didn’t have electronic tickets — paper was king. The ticket number mattered then and still does. It was one of those calls, more than a decade ago, that we laugh about now. My travel agency client, who is also a friend, was traveling to...
The Iran War affects ticket prices. Airline travelers are facing sticker shock as rising fuel prices cause higher airfares, especially internationally. The Iran war affects ticket prices. Hidden fuel fees make transatlantic flights more costly than transpacific...
Most frequent airline travelers have been barely on one side or another of the final-boarding rule, or the “10-minute rule.” While flights have a scheduled departure time, there is an unwritten final-boarding rule. The gate agent will often close the door...
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.
