Airline delays are full of gray areas. One of the most aggravating airline delays is when a traveler gets a notice from their airline or finds out online that a flight is seriously delayed. However, that delay notification is always followed by the disclaimer saying,...
Needed thoughts as advocates kick off the coming 2023 FAA funding bill. Every aviation consumer should know how important this FAA funding bill will be. This is the major bill that will control spending for funding the air traffic organization and the explosive growth...
COVID still infects travelers as we head into flu season. Travel healthily and avoid diseases like norovirus. Use commonsense to avoid a sick vacation. Amid the COVID pandemic, countless vacations were ruined because travelers became infected with COVID. Sick...
It’s impossible for parents while flying to hold lap children safely during severe turbulence. It’s long overdue. The FAA to stop permitting “lap children” on planes. Recently, I’ve heard from several readers who were flying for business...
The government, airlines, airports, and ancillary services were not prepared for the post-pandemic passenger flood. Every time I hear about a passenger lashing out at a flight attendant, I cringe. First, because violence does not solve anything ever, and Travelers...
Apple AirTags can be used in checked and carry-on luggage by the FAA and TSA. AirTags help air travelers locate their luggage when the airlines lose or misplace it. In 2001, I took my first Mediterranean cruise. To get to the start of the voyage in Spain, my cruise...
What should consumers ask of the Secretary of Transportation? When Travelers United met with the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) we wanted to be ready with a clear message. We waited patiently to have a chance to share the passengers’ points...
It’s time for the federal government to regulate hotel fees as well as airline ancillary fees. Some hotel fees aren’t disclosed until the final bill. In September, the Biden administration took two critical actions to benefit air travelers. First,...
Many Americans have never stopped using travel agents. Others, particularly the younger generation, have never used one. Some travelers formerly had travel agents (or advisers), but because that person retired, or they just figured online was easier, they have...
FAA mandated airline emergency medical kits to assist passengers with medical emergencies in flight, but the kits are outdated and inadequate to treat many passengers well. I’ve witnessed three medical incidents on flights over the years and have personally...
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.
