Follow these 17 pre-vacation steps at home before you leave. Don’t worry during your travels. Vacations are supposed to be stress-free. You don’t want to worry about your home while traveling. I’ve got 17 pre-vacation steps for you to take before you...
Passenger compensation is generous for baggage and adequate for denied boarding. But, there are no payments today for delays and cancellations. In the US, if your flight is delayed or canceled, or if your baggage gets lost or damaged, unfortunately, airlines aren’t...
DOT website consumer protection pages help travelers. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been working on its DOT website consumer protection pages, “Got Flights? Know Your Rights.” The intent is to help travelers better know their travel rights while...
Each year too many Americans run afoul of rules when they return through US Customs. Honesty and preparation will go a long way in preventing fines and more severe consequences. More than a few US travelers return home from an international journey ruined due to an...
Top 30 stories of 2022 selected by readers During the year on a week-by-week basis, Charlie Leocha’s stories rarely make the top three or four stories selected by readers. But, over the year, more readers use his clear, matter-of-fact stories. Here are our Top...
On landing, many air travelers experience airplane ear pain. I have tips to safely and easily help prevent or relieve clogging and discomfort. When we fly, particularly when we land, our ears feel clogged and our hearing becomes a bit more difficult when that happens....
Holiday winter driving can be perilous when ice or snow storms occur. I’ve got 12 great tips to help you drive safely. Winter has come to the northern hemisphere. Across much of the US, snow is in the forecast this week. You will face holiday winter...
Hit-and-run thieves have many schemes for separating you from your possessions. An email has just crossed my screen pleading for help. It isn’t the first and it won’t be the last. Another traveler has just been robbed in the Paris Métro. He claims he was on the...
After three years American travelers yearn for a “new normal” for vacation and business travel reality. Many Americans and travelers worldwide may feel as if the pandemic is over. Indeed, after almost three years, everyone wanted to return to normal. But...
Next summer, using 5G technology, EU cellphone ban will end. While it’s now technologically safe to make calls, it’s not a good idea and unfair to passengers who would rather relax or sleep. The European Commission ruled that airlines in the European Union...
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.
