Why the value of your life depends on where you die
Passengers are “worth” different amounts of money in different countries. The value of life varies. The line-up of the value of life is not what many would expect, though a US life does register higher in value than other countries.
Why baggage and mobility device handling reporting rules are important to passengers
New DOT rules are the end of a very long, step-by-step process to change the previous system that provided misleading statistics about an airline’s handling of checked baggage and that provided no data for mobility device damages. Travelers United was one of the main protagonists in the efforts over the past nine years.
Do passengers really want on-time flights or flight availability?
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...
4 reasons why your flight may take off late
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,...
Inconsistent names on travel documents can quickly derail a trip
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 doesn't...
National Consumer Protection Week happened — airline passengers didn’t notice.
These seven airline consumer protection principles should guide airline consumer protection. Airline consumer protections were not included in the announcement of the National Consumer Protection Week, the aviaiton consumer groups and Travelers United need to speak out.
Should checked baggage fees be refunded for delayed baggage?
This column was taken from a set of comments presented by Travelers United to DOT regarding an NPRM for refunding baggage fees. The comments show why airlines must deliver their checked baggage on time.
Will hated airline fees disappear? Or will there be more?
There are two camps in this airline-fee battle. Some see airline fees disappearing. Others see them becoming a bigger part of the total travel cost. Airfares have plummeted over the past 10 months. The percent occupied by ancillary fees has increased. It only makes sense when the fees stay the same and airfares drop.
Most free airline stopovers are a thing of the past… But not all
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 and connect...
Top tips for packing carry-on and personal bags for successful journeys
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 that...