We need new man-overboard systems. Since January 2020 undetected incidents have gone up to 37. That’s far too many. Earlier this month, 28-year-old Tyler Barnett was on the Carnival Glory. On a Sunday night, he was last seen at about 11:40 p.m. Man-overboard...
Medical emergencies are difficult to deal with at home. They are even more difficult in a foreign nation where you are unfamiliar with the medical system and the local language. Medical emergencies are hard on international travelers. Several years ago, we were...
Holiday travel is hard. You must contend with the crowds, the high prices — and the weather. This holiday season, I’ll probably see it all. Snow in the Pacific Northwest for Thanksgiving. Thunderstorms in Chile for Christmas and stifling midsummer heat in Buenos Aires...
Airline stopovers have been an issue that confounds and frustrates travelers. For all the decades I’ve been a travel agent, stopovers have been an issue that creates confusion for travelers. A plane connects at some airport. Why can’t you get off the plane...
Things can go wrong when tips to aid unaccompanied minors are ignored, particularly when taking connecting flights. Last year, during the summer, Amber Vencill had her 10 and 12-year-old sons put on an American Airlines flight from Springfield, MO, to Charlotte, NC,...
In a letter sent to DOT Secretary Buttigieg, T&I Committee members protest the use of airports to house illegal immigrants. When everyday Americans cannot get into most areas of our airports, should illegal immigrants be granted access to secure airports? If DHS...
I have 16 holiday tips to help you make your travel easier and more enjoyable. Surprise! Here are 16 holiday tips to make your travel more enjoyable. It may be less than a week from Halloween, but already in the US, there are “Black Friday” advertisements for shopping...
Enough with switching airline seats already. Swapping seats seems to be a thing lately. Maybe you’ve watched those viral videos that feature people changing seats without permission and other entitled passenger behavior involving airline seats. Or maybe...
Airline extra fees and frequent flyer deals will surpass the 2019 record industry income. IdeaWorksCompany, the foremost consultant on ancillary revenue, projected airline ancillary fees revenue will continue to increase to $117.9 billion worldwide for 2023, compared...
I booked transatlantic using the Lufthansa alliance with United Airlines. Some perks were good, but the hassles weren’t worth it. Airlines love to tout their partnerships as being great for travelers. And yes, getting mileage and having bags checked through are...
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.
