Passing a bill through Congress is not enough — passengers need delayed checked-bag-fee refund rules from DOT, too. Most Americans don’t realize that getting a bill passed through Congress (already a major accomplishment) is not enough. The executive department...
Seven times able-bodied passengers might not want an exit-row seat For many economy-class travelers, an exit-row seat is the holy grail of seating. And generally, everyone wants to sit in one. As a travel agent, I’ve had several families with young children or...
I have 21 cybersecurity actions for travelers to take to help minimize the chance of them being hacked while away from home. Your cellphone, smartwatch, tablet and laptop devices and/or the accounts that you connect to through them are at risk from cyberattacks...
Cell phones are a part of international travel. There is no reason to face a major hit in your wallet. Travelers United has already warned you how to control roaming data charges. That article has much of the information in this article but more. Here is some...
The Inventors Hall of Fame honors many who have had a dramatic impact on travel and tourism. Other inventors recently honored at the Inventors Hall of Fame have improved telephony, synthesized diamonds, pioneered video games, developed the glue for Post-It Notes, and...
Hackers are coming for travelers. Here’s how to protect yourself. A few days after Kay Pedersen reserved a hotel room in Chiang Mai, Thailand, through Booking.com, she received an alarming email. It was a warning from Booking.com in broken English that there had...
Airline fees have been comic fodder for years — especially with budget and international airlines. I remember being in London over a decade ago and seeing a comedian do a great riff on Ryanair and equivalents. Those tickets cost maybe five pounds, but you ended up...
Crucial and costly mistakes while planning and during a cruise can cost cruisers dearly. This week, I’ve got 10 cruise mistakes for you to learn about and avoid that friends, family, readers and I have made in the past. I’m finishing my research for a lengthy...
Airline sick-passenger rules allow diseases to spread Congress has extended the time that the FAA bill is waiting to be passed. The last extension means that the bill that funds the aviation industry won’t be voted on until March 2024. This extension means that...
Caregiver and airline wheelchair policies Always, always when traveling with anyone who needs wheelchair assistance, make sure to contact the airport and airline prior to arriving for caregiver and wheelchair policies. The earlier the better. In the US all airlines...
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.
