Most frequent airline travelers have been barely on one side or another of the final-boarding rule, or “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 to...
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...
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...
Be aware of international data roaming when traveling. What you don’t know can really hurt financially. This is not an advertisement for T-Mobile, but travelers who use the T-Mobile services while traveling have no new limits on their text messages or data....
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...
What happens when travelers don’t follow the middle-name rule with international reservations? When making reservations for a trip to Europe, I had an opportunity to purchase a flash sale airfare for myself and a friend. The normal price of $1,000 was reduced to...
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...
These airport security dos and don’ts will help with problems at security checkpoints. Often, air travel isn’t easy. Getting through TSA security or airport security internationally can be challenging, with different rules in different countries and...
After a series of mishaps, United Airlines CEO Kirby claims, “planes are safe.” United Airlines planes are safe, according to Scott Kirby, the Chief Executive Officer of the airline. He told customers, pilots, and investors after a series of safety...
Here’s when you can get refunds on non-refundable tickets today. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking If you’ve booked a ticket in the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires U.S. and foreign air carriers to hold a reservation at the quoted...
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.
