The Jones Act in Alaska kept cruise ships at port. A waiver frees them. More than a dozen years ago Senator John McCain introduced legislation to repeal the 1920 “Jones Act.” Now Congress deliberates again. An exception to the Jones Act in Alaska can be a...
I’ve got some great holiday gift suggestions for travelers. Many are techie gifts, but not all. Some will help you with your luggage, while one will help you sleep in noisy places. The winter holiday season has begun in the U.S. and Europe. I’m always on...
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! In 1863, Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation made a national holiday. He is the one who made the last Thursday in November the official date. And, before I get too deep into this article, Happy Thanksgiving to all of us...
With the state of the ATC, airline delays and cancellations are to be expected If anyone is in the lineup for a free space on a different flight because they were bumped from a previous flight, join the club. How you should deal with airline delays and cancellations...
I completely understand the need to make a profit and extra fees — to a point. As a travel agent/advisor, my colleagues and I talk regularly about cancellation fees. Flights may have been canceled, but little money ends up in the passenger’s pocket. However,...
Enjoy another country for a few days with a free airline stopover on long-distance flights Last year, I enjoyed three nights in Lisbon, Portugal, during an airline stopover program run by TAP. Plus, I learned that these stopover programs are not only for transatlantic...
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.