Covid and influenza cases are spiking. RSV cases remain strong. Many travelers are masking again and unvaccinated travelers are seriously considering becoming vaccinated before their next journey. As the new year starts, it’s impossible to miss the news about...
Passengers still face COVID-19 trip cancellations or postponements. As we move into a post-pandemic world, most travel agents will tell you, we’re still having people cancel or postpone trips due to COVID-19. Thankfully, for the most part, the disease is not as...
Airlines need a consistent sick-passenger rule. Haven’t we learned anything from the pandemic? Major US carriers getting rid of change fees was a welcome change for travelers, even if we weren’t in a pandemic. However, airlines still have no consistent...
We need common airline flight credit rules for airfare refunds and flight credit protection. The pandemic refund issue has been screwed up for consumers since the beginning. It is a major issue with more than $10 billion in outstanding flight credits, estimated by 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...
COVID still affects travel. Don’t fool with the coronavirus. Respect it. As a travel agent and someone who loves to travel, it’s been great to see COVID restrictions loosening on travel worldwide. But COVID still affects travel even if the virus is weaker....
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.
