Should you lock checked luggage when you fly? If you do, should you use a TSA approved lock or some other method like seals or zip ties? A number of years ago, my wife and I flew home from Los Angeles with one checked bag that we shared, along with our carry-ons and...
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...
It’s time for pets to stop flying. There, I said it: Let’s ground Fido and Fluffy for good. There have been too many animal incidents on aircraft this summer, including the Delta Air Lines passenger who lost her dog while traveling from Santo Domingo to...
Expecting to get an upgrade to First Class when you dress up is generally a myth. You need elite status in the airlines’ frequent flier programs. For years I’ve heard the advice attributed to flight attendants about what to wear to get free upgrades when...
Airline sick-passenger rules allow diseases to spread Airline sick passenger rules force many sick passengers (even with doctor notes) to fly and allow the spread of contagious diseases. We need some common sense. And, some new, clear rules and procedures for...
With minimum connecting times during the holidays, one must be an Olympic sprinter to get between airport gates for flights. There has been a long-time joke about Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) in the travel industry. As I tell clients regularly, airlines don’t...
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.
