What happens when travelers don’t follow the middle-name rule with international reservations? When making reservations for a trip to Europe, I had an opportunity to purchase a flash sale airfare for myself and a friend. The normal price of $1,000 was reduced to...
Are airline customer service commitments worthless? Every airline has a customer service commitment. The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires it. But, DOT refrained from making these customer service commitments a part of the contract of carriage. In other...
Airline passengers can change tickets and correct errors within 24 hours of purchase Way back in 2012, the Department of Transportation (DOT) promulgated the 24-hour rule. This regulation requires airlines to provide travelers booking flights 24 hours to change them....
Air travelers in Europe have important international air travel rights unknown in the US regarding airline delays and damaged baggage contents. However, if passengers don’t know their rights, they don’t even know enough to ask. When flying between Europe...
Don’t let yourself be deceived by airline seating games of hide and seek. As the airlines have begun unbundling their airfares, many seats now require paid reservations. On some flights, I have seen every aisle seat and every window seat tagged with an extra...
Consumer protection notification and DOT airline complaint systems need improvement. Improving the Department of Transportation (DOT) processes to help passengers is a Travelers United goal. DOT has enhanced its website and provides better customer service...
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.