The most unanswered question tourists ask today: Where is the restroom? 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...
Travelers United tells DOT, “Focus on already started airline passenger protection actions.” Travelers United sees four areas where the DOT Secretary can change the system and get airline passenger protection actions with the stroke of a pen. We do not...
It’s a problem as old as the Tower of Babel: When you don’t speak their language how do you communicate? Anna-Marie Cartagena found herself in this situation on a recent visit to a spice market in Israel. The employee spoke no English, and Cartagena didn’t...
Creating the perfect Hawaiian vacation means asking questions Hawaii’s a dream destination for many people, and as a travel agent, one of my favorite places to sell. But, as I’ve learned from dealing with a lot of first-timers, and even repeat travelers,...
The FAA’s emergency evacuation tests for aircraft certification need to reflect real-world conditions. Red Air flight 203 had flown for about two hours on the 848-mile route from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when it began to descend toward Miami...
Are airline customer service commitments worthless? Every airline has a customer service commitment. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires it. But, DOT refrained from making these customer service commitments a part of the contract of carriage. In other...
As airports and amenities slowly get more comfortable, don’t get TOO comfortable before boarding. Yes, there are many ways to miss flights. Missing a flight is a recurring nightmare for frequent fliers. In some cases, a literal nightmare, as friends have told...
If you want to work as an air traffic controller, this is the time to apply. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched “Be ATC,” a recruiting campaign to hire the next generation of air traffic controllers. The application window will be open...
Finally, I am in Italy. Now with COVID, my family has canceled. Air travel hassles abound. No fun! Our family vacation, planned for more than two years, started well. But I was nervous when I received nearly hourly emails from United offering to “buy” my...
After a series of postponements, REAL ID 2023 goes into effect on May 3. Then, Americans will need a REAL ID to fly domestically. As we head into summer, domestic air travel has significantly recovered from its pandemic low. Overwhelmed with over-scheduling, staff...
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.
