The problem with artificial intelligence is simple: When travelers need it most, it is least helpful. Would you pay extra to avoid AI? That’s the experience of people like Mark Beales, a retired mortgage banker from Mill Creek, Washington. He said that for...
The Iran War affects ticket prices. Airline travelers are facing sticker shock as rising fuel prices cause higher airfares, especially internationally. The Iran war affects ticket prices. Hidden fuel fees make transatlantic flights more costly than transpacific...
The partial government shutdown continues. TSA agents call in sick or resign due to no pay. I have ways of getting through TSA security quickly. The partial U.S. government shutdown continues to seriously affect the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS)...
A worst enemy would buy drinks from street vendors The coconut smoothie test is hardly a scientific way of determining if you’re a savvy traveler or your own worst enemy. But it’s highly effective. On a recent trip to Malaysia, I used it to measure the aptitude of...
Here are the American Airlines rules. These are part of the customer service plan, not the legal contract of carriage. Note the undefined term “significant delay.” Also, note that these amenities begin with flight cancellation. Also, note that no amount is...
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...
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.
