Airlines are selling tickets from the US to Greece, but IT glitches still exist from the pandemic. Back in late March, two clients who had gotten their vaccination decided to book a trip to Athens in hopes of Greece being open in July. They booked a codeshare flight...
Less airline seat pitch means more passengers on planes, slower emergency evacuations, and more medical inflight issues. Airlines started their “Basic Coach” or “Basic Economy” configurations, with fewer amenities and less legroom. Now they...
Ancillary airline fees must be disclosed during the buying process to make the free market work. This talk was given in November 2013 before IATA’s World Passenger Conference (at which no passengers seem to be invited to attend) held in Dublin, Ireland. The post...
DOT moves to require airlines to refund extra fees when service purchased is not provided — this is a proposed rule. Yes, we all know that when you do not get a service, you don’t have to pay for it. This proposed rulemaking 20 years late finally has its...
In the winter travelers expect delays and cancellations. In the summer they are supposed to ease up. This summer there are more storms and a shortage of workers to keep the aviation system running. Many travel agents I know have long hated booking travel in winter....
Being careful is the best travel theft security Famous travel host and writer, Rick Steves, revealed a while back that he was a pickpocket victim while traveling in Paris. Steves didn’t detail what happened during this travel theft, but did say that after years...
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.
Airlines Refunds: DOT enforcement notice that all airline tickets canceled by the airlines must be repaid to include all airfare, taxes and added fees with cash not airline credits.
Bi-partisan bill to eliminate hotel resort fees introduced into House of Representatives
Creation of the DOT Consumer Advocate to focus on aviation consumer protections
Full Fare Act — Advertised airfares now include all mandatory taxes and fees
Lost/damaged/delayed luggage compensation limit increased to $3,500
Passengers have 24 hours to change or cancel their nonrefundable tickets without penalty
Once 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.
