What you do next matters, but collective power is a long game. Here’s how to vote with your wallet — and at the ballot box. You can almost feel it when you fly these days. It’s that sense that you’re a second-class citizen with limited rights — or none at...
Deplaning etiquette: Some passengers need to be the first to exit the plane. If possible, they’ll push and shove their way to the front to exit. There’s never an excuse for violence anywhere. I call them Aisle lice. In December, we flew from the east coast...
Nobody likes airline fees match, especially when it involves checked bag fees. Frequent fliers and travelers with expensive credit cards can avoid airline fees match. Perhaps they don’t get outraged as much with changes to baggage fees as with other airline...
However airlines spin it, when a mileage program changes its frequent flier rules it’s usually not good news for consumers. The most recent mileage program changes by American Airlines, scheduled to take effect in May, could be the worst yet for many travelers....
The problems of pets on planes have severe consequences for others caused by passengers breaking the rules. Last month, a passenger was flying with her chihuahua on United Airlines. She was traveling from Denver to Portland. United’s pet rules state, “Once...
Airline fees have been comic fodder for years — especially with budget and international airlines. I remember being in London over a decade ago and seeing a comedian do a great riff on Ryanair and equivalents. Those tickets cost maybe five pounds, but you ended up...
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.
