The DOT complaint system — the first step in the DOT legal policy for those wronged by airlines During the COVID pandemic airlines garnered record numbers of complaints in the official Department of Transportation (DOT) airline complaint system. This is the first step...
These places are where what TSA confiscates and you lose on flights ends up. I have often wondered what happens to lost and confiscated belongings left by passengers on planes and checkpoint lines. The TSA confiscates thousands of small pen knives, AirPods, iPads,...
Given a choice, almost no one actually likes connection cities. Sometimes cost is an issue. Sometimes nonstops are not available. And sometimes, even if a nonstop IS available, the times are inconvenient at the connection cities. Decades ago, as a young travel agent I...
Cruisers miss their last-minute cruise departures from the port of embarkation due to flight delays. Cruisers must schedule to arrive 1-3 days early. Last-minute cruise departures from the port of embarkation can cost you. Last week, several friends were scheduled to...
Travelers United membership now provides a Swiss global data vault. Membership in Travelers United now includes one of the country’s best cybersecurity packages. For $49 a year Travelers United members receive a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that provides WiFi...
Why are we becoming such careless travelers? Travelers are increasingly forgetting essentials like luggage and medication, a phenomenon experts blame on “cognitive overload” and stress. “Hurry culture” and constant screen time have eroded situational awareness,...
An airline changes the way it does business: Southwest Airlines adds reserved seating. This week, Southwest Airlines added reserved seats to its offerings. Back in May, they added to the glee of accountants’ luggage charges. Few passengers cried big crocodile...
For decades, there’s been an Ugly American tourist stereotype. Usually, as I remember growing up, an Ugly American involved dressing badly, carrying big cameras, being flashy with money, and yes, often being loud. When I did a semester abroad in England, I will...
You’re entitled to a refund for a canceled flight due to weather. However, if you don’t take the airline rebooking offer, in U.S. there is no compensation. The Middle Atlantic States and the Northeast were slammed by a snowstorm yesterday. You’re...
New York City is banning hidden hotel fees to lower costs. The upcoming rule means hotels will include mandatory resort and destination fees. This also applies to service fees included in the advertised room price and to disclosing credit card holds and deposits...
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.
