On May 7, 2025, REAL ID to get past airport security is changed again. We were headed into the final winter before Real ID goes into effect. Domestic air travel has significantly recovered from pandemic lows. That’s put pressure on airlines. In recent months,...
The DOT complaint system — the first step in the DOT legal policy for those wronged by airlines During the pandemic months, airlines garnered record numbers of complaints in the official Department of Transportation (DOT) airline complaint system. This is the first...
States have electronic toll collection systems with no human collecting tolls and no way to use a credit card to pay a toll — pandemic travelers should not be unduly punished. If a traveler finds it impossible to pay a toll, keep reading. During the pandemic, many...
Knowing the secret about alternate airports saves time and money What do travel gurus mean by alternate airports? Almost every time readers research how to work their way around being bumped, try to fly around storm cancellations, or look for ways to save money, they...
Little airline jargon words mean a lot when it comes to being on time or making a connection — “out” is not “off,” and “on” is not “in.” “Out,” “off,” “on,” and “in” are...
I have 16 easy-to-use pre-trip tips to protect your home and its contents from thieves and other serious problems while traveling. I’ve got sixteen pre-trip tips to help you prevent crime and other potential disasters from happening at your home while...
When traveling, be smart — use secure WiFi from Travelers United Plus Secure WiFi works for travelers whether they are traveling in their neighborhood or to the other side of the planet. Plus, it works when anyone works from home. From Starbucks to Marriott, to...
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! In 1863, Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation made today a national holiday. He is the one who made the last Thursday in November the official date. And, before I get too deep into this article, Happy Thanksgiving to all of...
Travel as a pedestrian in your own neighborhood Editor’s note: This story was originally published a year ago and this version has been lightly edited. It certainly is a vivid reminder of where we were then and how far we’ve come since returning to a...
Travel today means crowds of first-time travelers, the older and slower passengers, and the inexperienced — just like the old holiday travel days. Over the years I’ve written more than one post about the difficulties of holiday air travel — the crowds, airport...
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.
Airlines Refunds: DOT enforcement notice that all airline tickets canceled by the airlines must be repaid to include all airfare, taxes and added fees with cash not airline credits.
Bi-partisan bill to eliminate hotel resort fees introduced into House of Representatives
Creation of the DOT Consumer Advocate to focus on aviation consumer protections
Full Fare Act — Advertised airfares now include all mandatory taxes and fees
Lost/damaged/delayed luggage compensation limit increased to $3,500
Passengers have 24 hours to change or cancel their nonrefundable tickets without penalty
Once 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.
