One level of airline safety rules — that’s the mantra at DOT & FAA, unless …
Major airlines and airline unions have protested the establishment of airline safety rules of semi-private airlines that skirt training and security rules followed by scheduled airlines. Travel Weekly published a recent article about the largest semi-private airline...
Mommy, where is the restroom? I have to go!
Finding a place to go to the bathroom has always been a problem for tourists. For years fast-food restaurants and coffee houses were the only places with public restrooms. And, today, many are not open to the public during the uncertainty of the pandemic. Regular restaurants are closed in many cities and states, except for take out. And that means far fewer toilets for the traveling public.
How to get about $640+ in flight delay compensation with EU rules
International flight delay compensation is unknown to most US travelers. It is covered under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty, and by Europen Union rules (EU air passenger delay compensation rules). A partner organization has taken the DOT to court to require that these international delay compensation rules get more visibility for US travelers.
Final-boarding rule — the random airline 10-minute rule
The final-boarding rule is important and random. It still exists while airlines battle this pandemic. While flights have a scheduled departure time, the gate agent will close the door to the plane about ten minutes before departure. Depending on what side of the door you’re on, it means a huge sigh of relief, a delayed, or ruined trip.
14 top smartphone travel apps to help make travel easier
The smartphone travel apps are tools for travelers to maintain detailed itineraries, be a GPS on driving trips, keep tabs on TSA security at airports, track planes and cruise ships, etc. The smartphone travel apps are important tools for travelers. They can help...
Court Confirms Junk Fees Lawsuit Against Sonesta Hotels Can Proceed to Jury Trial
Junk fees disclosure is material to the consumer's decision Travelers United defeated Sonesta Hotels’ attempt to have a lawsuit challenging junk fees practice stopped. It was dismissed and sent to a jury on Thursday, March 21, 2024. As the Court explained, “a...
How to use less mobile data when you travel
While traveling we become even more dependent on our smartphones than usual. There are no other phones to use, we all need to get around so map programs are more and more important. Airline boarding passes are often loaded on cell phones. Apps that tell travelers the best hotels and restaurants are needed more than ever. And every time we pick up our mobile phone we need to use international data.
Bumped from a flight? Get cash, not airline funny money
When you are involuntarily bumped from a flight, you can get cash (a check or credit on your credit card) from airlines. Those are the rules. If passengers choose to bargain with the airlines at the gate, that’s their choice. But, travelers involuntarily bumped can get as much as $1,350.
Why travelers need to know the middle-name rule
When making reservations for a trip to Europe, I had an opportunity to purchase a flash airfare for myself and a friend. The normal price of $1,000 had been reduced to $700 for several hours. I did not know my friend’s middle name but wanted to purchase the tickets. I believed that because of the 24-hour rule, I could always change the middle name. The rule isn’t quite that simple. I learned an important lesson.
Checked bag fees match is the latest airline behavior. Herd instinct? Or oligopoly?
Nobody likes airline fees match, especially when it involves checked bag fees. Frequent fliers and travelers with expensive credit cards can avoid airline fees match. Perhaps they don't get outraged as much with changes to baggage fees as with other airline fees. It...