Uncle Sam wants you to dress better and improve flying behavior. Is there a connection? The Department of Transportation (DOT) started a campaign regarding “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You.” This DOT effort aims to encourage passengers to dress...
The red zone is that anxious stretch from your front door to your airplane seat, where normal people turn into nervous wrecks. It’s a blur of high-stakes, time-sensitive decisions that overload your brain. And it’s so stressful that 73 percent of couples call travel...
The most important question to ask if you really want early hotel check-in Most travelers who book hotels and arrive in a city early in the day would love to get early check-in when they arrive. But most hotels have a regular check-in time of 3:00 or 4:00 p.m....
Not enough airlines are competing. Airline competition is going to be a big issue this coming year. It is already, but the big airlines are making moves that beg for pushback from those who want to keep them in check and keep a competitive marketplace operating. Here...
If you want a less stressful flight, it may be worth a splurge for preferred or premium seats. If you’re an elite level flier already booked for holiday travel you probably have your seat assignments confirmed, so you can disregard this post. Ditto if...
Airlines are cutting flight availability dramatically and unexpectedly. Fewer on-time flights do not bode well for future bookings. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that they are now recording the most fliers at US airports. More...
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.