Airline passengers are “worth” different amounts of money in various countries and states. The value of life varies depending on where the case is brought to court. The value of life is not what many would have guessed. Although the US is at the top of the...
Baggage reporting rules protect passengers and handicapped mobility devices. The Department of Transportation (DOT) released new baggage reporting rules about a year and a half ago. Passengers are not very excited about the new rule, but they should be. The important...
Airlines are cutting flight availability dramatically and unexpectedly. Fewer on-time flights do not bode well for future bookings. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that they are now recording the most fliers at US airports. More...
Airline delays are full of gray areas. One of the most aggravating airline delays is when a traveler gets a notice from their airline or finds out online that a flight is seriously delayed. However, that delay notification is always followed by the disclaimer saying,...
Travel documents with inconsistent names, including your passport, driver’s license, Real ID, airline ticket, and other bookings and travel documents, could derail your entire journey. Paraphrasing Shakespeare, “A name by any other name” suggests that a label...
Seven principles for aviation consumer protection. Travelers United, together with other consumer groups, has outlined seven principles to guide airline consumer protection. Six years ago, consumer groups released the principles to the Washington establishment. They...
Should passengers pay for services not delivered — namely checked baggage fees? This column was taken from a set of comments presented by Travelers United to DOT regarding an NPRM for refunding checked-baggage fees. The comments show why airlines must deliver their...
Will extra airline fees disappear? That is the question. There are two camps in this airline-fee battle. Some see airline fees disappearing. Others see them becoming a bigger part of the total airfare cost. As airfares plummeted during the pandemic, the percentage...
Airline stopovers have been an issue that confounds and frustrates travelers. For all the decades I’ve been a travel agent, stopovers have been an issue that creates confusion for travelers. A plane connects at some airport. Why can’t you get off the plane...
Too often, air travelers make crucial mistakes in packing carry-on and personal bags. I have tips to avoid those mistakes to help you make a successful journey, especially if your checked luggage is delayed, lost, or stolen. I’ve heard from travelers many times...
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.
