States have electronic toll collection systems with no human collecting tolls and no way to use a credit card to pay a toll. If a traveler finds paying an electronic toll collection impossible, keep reading. Many travelers decide to travel by car. Unfortunately, they...
Harried travelers are soothed by DC airport art Art is making a comeback in airports and major metropolitan buildings. Washington’s Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a wonderful example of how airport art can be integrated into the architecture of a...
It could happen to you. Delayed and canceled flights are happening with greater frequency during this shutdown. This, however, is considered a delay or cancellation beyond the airline’s control. This is especially true if your flight is part of the FAA slowdown...
Setting strategies for shutdowns and maybe future ones. Many Americans, including air travelers, like to ignore politics these days. Unfortunately, politics don’t ignore us. At the time of writing, the current government shutdown has lasted over a month, and now...
Veteran’s Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces. To honor and learn about them, l recommend these US military sites. Veterans Day in the U.S. is tomorrow. It was designated as November 11th. World War I ended...
The federal government has redefined truth in advertising. Make sure to read the fine print. How are we to know what the price of travel products will be? The DOT allows airlines to separate baggage, seat assignments, and more from airline tickets. The FAA allows at...
Air travelers in Europe have important international air travel rights unknown in the US regarding airline delays and damaged baggage contents. However, if passengers don’t know their rights, they don’t even know enough to ask. When flying between Europe...
Ruined vacations by a toxic blend of self-importance and social blindness. Bad behavior in hotels has been front and center lately. A recent survey by Expedia suggested hotel faux pas are a growing problem. Topping the list of no-nos: bare feet in hotel common areas...
There are still travel agent benefits. One of my clients, a local doctor, comments to me that when she mentions using a travel agent, some of her colleagues and friends often react with surprise — “You still use a travel agent?” “Are there still...
The five worst travel mobile phone scams to avoid include robocalls, fake notifications, fake QR codes, travel verification, and fake AI family member voice scams trying to steal your money and/or identity. Mobile phone scams, particularly those targeting smartphones,...
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.
