A worst enemy would buy drinks from street vendors The coconut smoothie test is hardly a scientific way of determining if you’re a savvy traveler or your own worst enemy. But it’s highly effective. On a recent trip to Malaysia, I used it to measure the aptitude of...
There is no system of standardized marijuana testing for DUI. Ever since marijuana was legalized, I have been concerned about testing for driving under the influence of weed. The first lesson I learned about marijuana was the difference between thumb-sized West Coast...
When passengers pay for an upgrade to extra legroom seats, what do they get? The airlines are taking full advantage of the confusing definitions of extra legroom. Each airline sets its own definitions. They are all now carving up their planes into different sections....
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...
Do you believe it’s a good idea to stand up or stay seated when the plane arrives at the gate? Some stand, and others sit. On my last flight, as we landed, I heard multiple passengers, including those in the row behind me, unbuckle their seatbelts even though we...
Airline alliance improvements for business travelers often mean worse service for vacation fliers. You may have read stories about international airline alliance improvements for their passengers. However, the “improvements” are focused on business...
Am I owed a refund when my rental car broke down? John Sand’s Enterprise rental car broke down on his first day in Munich, and the company towed it without providing a replacement vehicle, leaving him stranded for 36 hours. After making 30 phone calls, sending...
When faced with an uncooperative airline agent, call the airline again. When there are problems with airline tickets, humans are often the best solution. As much as carriers tout their automatic rebooking programs, those programs are limited and not very creative....
Enrollment in the U.S. State Department’s STEP program is a crucial step in preparing to travel internationally. Supplying your contact information and travel details through the STEP program enables the State Department to quickly contact you in case of...
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.
