The loophole to create a unified pilot rule is complex once the DOT added the FAA and TSA problems to the mix. Travelers United has been working and writing about this issue for months. I’ve been wondering for months now why everything took so long. The question...
Why do passengers always seem to lose in these airline seat reservation games? The airlines have begun unbundling their airfares. Many seats now require paid reservations. On some flights, I have seen every aisle seat and every window seat tagged with an extra fee....
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening is the most dreaded part of a flight for many passengers — especially in 2025. TSA has a well-deserved reputation for treating air travelers like cattle. From yelling at them at the checkpoint (“all laptops,...
In a high-tech world, it is good to have low-tech vacation travel tips. If you are reading this blog, you’re more than likely already a savvy traveler and have heard and read thousands of holiday travel tips before. You’re familiar with the litany of: show...
The Real ID soft deadline is less tha four months away, but the final Real ID deadline isn’t until May 5, 2027. This May 7, air travelers without Real IDs will be issued warnings by TSA. The Real ID deadline is less than four months away . . . kind of. The Real...
An amazing 5,972 firearms were stopped over the course of 2021, up more than 1,500 from the previous record of 4,432 guns seized in 2019. Passengers should follow the TSA firearms travel rules. As can be seen in the video above, there are specific TSA firearms...
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...
Explore the world with our NCOA guide designed to make travel accessible, enjoyable, and worry-free for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. This was produced by the National Council on Aging, NCOA. The full report is the Mobility-Friendly Travel Guide. Other...
I have suggestions to help you travel with technology more easily and reduce the amount of gear you need to keep them going. Travel with technology, particularly international trips, is often substantial these days. Supporting the technology without a large bag of...
Airline on-time statistics are posted on airline websites, but they are not easy to find. On-time statistics are important for travelers. DOT recognizes this importance. Travelers use arrival times in order to plan for enough time to get to connecting flights. Many...
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.