As the pandemic subsides in the US, passenger safety problems rise with increased air rage. It seems as though we hear about another airline passenger going berserk every day. Air rage is increasing on flights across the globe. Last week, a woman on a Ryanair flight...
Get vaccinated for Memorial Day. Do it for our military heroes and healthcare workers who have died from COVID-19 while protecting us. Today is Memorial Day. It’s the day America sets aside to honor those who died in the military service of the nation, who...
Traveling is like riding a bike — that’s what I thought Taking long and short trips was something that I did consistently right up until the recognized start of the pandemic in March of 2020. I keep muttering to myself, “I know how to travel. Why am I so...
FAA passenger fines have increased dramatically. DOT airline fines are almost non-existent. As we come to Memorial Day, the newspapers, radio, and newsletters fill with scare headlines from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Though a part of the Department of...
I was thrilled to get my COVID shot. I would be happier with vaccine incentives worth a million dollars! To be honest, I was thrilled to get my COVID-19 vaccination several months ago. I was focused on finding a way to get the vaccination but didn’t go to the...
As the pandemic continues, hotels are finding new, creative fees — mandatory gratuities for housekeeping and electricity usage. I just discovered hotel electricity fees being charged in some American hotels! Of course, I know that the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be...
Timely tips for navigating the post-pandemic Hawaiian tourism protocols. Today, Hawaiian tourism returns. During the first weekend of March 2020, it was business as usual on the Big Island. The coronavirus seemed a long way away on the US mainland. The only signs were...
To say America is a divided country is an understatement. Will we now have polarized travel? As our country emerges from a large shutdown year, will we now face polarized vacations? Will two different types of vacations prevail? One for those who believe in masks and...
Travel scams have been around forever. Along with reputable travel businesses, the Internet allows them to proliferate. The last year has been incredibly tough for the entire travel industry. Today, travel has begun to rebound. A major current misconception for many...
The new CDC COVID face mask policy allowing fully vaccinated Americans to generally go maskless follows the science, but I ask if it makes us less safe because it requires no vaccination verification. The Biden Administration has repeatedly said they would follow the...
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.
