Most frequent airline travelers have been barely on one side or another of the final-boarding rule, or “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 to...
Conventional wisdom was to be an early bird and book airline tickets as early as possible. Back years ago, that was true, especially with mileage award tickets. Early birds got the rewards. I have memories of waiting up until midnight 330 days or so in advance in...
Smart travelers make these eight passport mistakes People who travel internationally are generally among the savviest travelers. But they can still make mistakes — and some of the most common ones involve passports. As you start international travel again, make sure...
One of my least favorite hotel commercials is about two people checking out. It turns out they paid different rates at the same hotel. Obviously, it seems they had a hotel room complaint. It doesn’t say what kind of rooms they each had. Sometimes, it is just...
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...
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.
