Travel Agents are not happy with the Consumer Protection from DOT. Full disclosure: While most travel agents don’t mind Southwest Airlines, we seldom book them. While in 2007 Southwest was the last major carrier to eliminate basic travel agent commissions, they...
A recent study concludes that a selfie death is a public health issue and tourists are at the center of selfie accidents, many fatal. According to the Global “Death by Selfie” Database, as of July, 2023, there have been 14 deaths world-wide each categorized as a...
Here is a wonderful Coke ad for this Christmas. Obviously it is designed to pull at the heart strings. Here is another unusual Christmas video from the UK about a boy and an unusual holiday friend. Here’s the Amazon video. It is bit cliche. But well done....
Since it’s a time for Christmas dreams — or for other holidays — here are six wishes for travelers, frequent and infrequent, for 2024. Dear Santa…. Could you make these Christmas dreams come true? Better communication from airlines. Stuff happens, and...
Brazil’s documentation requirements for new e-visa have given me pause about filling out the application for travel to Brazil. Starting on January 10, 2024, US citizens will have to obtain a new e-visa, in advance, to enter Brazil for either business or leisure...
This is the ultimate collection of tips to make travel joyful during the holiday season (or any time). The winter holiday season starts this weekend. Most Americans celebrate Christmas, Hannicah, and New Year holidays with friends and family. They are also the...
Follow these airport mantras and make travel far more joyful The holiday madness in airports has begun. With total airline traffic packed this holiday season, there will be crowds. American, Southwest, and United are filling their planes. And security checks go...
Some of my pet hotel peeves can ruin your stay. For those that can be fixed, don’t hesitate to have the hotel correct them immediately. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, hotels can make or break your trip. They can help you get the rest you need or...
There is a law that the DOT may have forgotten. Passengers who have faced widespread disruptions of schedules are due compensation. Scott McCartney revealed in the Wall Street Journal amazing stories about airline cancellations. That was in mid-2021. Last winter first...
I’ve got 10 annual 2023 holiday gifts for traveler in your life from an expensive noise cancelling headset to an inexpensive luggage scale. The December winter holiday season has begun in the U.S. and Europe. For the last couple of months, I’ve been...
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.
