Follow these suggestions for flying safe and healthy. The pandemic is well back in most everyone’s rearview mirror, including the airlines. Flying safe and healthy is a passenger’s responsibility again. The special attention to cleaning planes by airlines...
Here are tips to deal with the Global Entry interview delays. Many people who want Global Entry in the US have problems setting up their Global Entry interviews. TSA and the US Custome and Border Protection (CBP) folk who run the Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP) will...
For Travelers United, if the perimeter rule is updated, it will provide more competition and choice for the entire region. As Congress debates the FAA Reauthorization Bill this summer, the DCA (Washington Reagan Airport) Perimeter Rule is again in the crosshairs. This...
California Resort Fee Bill mandates that all mandatory fees be included in advertised lodging room rates. California, a leader in passing first-in-the-nation consumer protection laws, has introduced AB 537, The California Resort Fee Bill, which would call for all...
Travel mistakes can lead to disastrous journeys. Learn about the worst ones and how to avoid them. In my last column, Travel mistakes: 20 of the worst to avoid – Part 1, I explained that I’ve been keeping a list of travelers’ mistakes for years....
Never recline your seat, even when the captain says it’s OK. Should you recline your airline seat? The passenger sitting in front of me on a recent flight never bothered asking. Shortly after takeoff, he just lurched backward. No warning. He didn’t get...
Seven principles for aviation consumer protection. Travelers United, together with other consumer groups, has outlined seven principles to guide airline consumer protection. Four years ago, consumer groups released the principles to the Washington establishment. They...
Travel mistakes can lead to disastrous journeys. Learn about the worst ones and how to avoid them. I’ve been keeping a list of travel mistakes for years, as told to me by friends, neighbors, and readers. There are also a few of my own in the list. I’ve...
The airline gate agent said, “The bag is too big.” They wanted an extra baggage charge. Dayna Cooley was hit with an extra baggage charge on a recent flight from Los Angeles to New York. A ticket agent looked at her regulation-size carry-on and shook her...
Airline honesty will be tested by coming NPRM. President Biden’s and Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s announcement that they want airlines to be required to pay compensation for delays and cancellations within their control should be popular with Americans...
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.
