Airline delays are full of gray areas. One of the most aggravating airline delays is when a traveler gets a notice from their airline or finds out online that a flight is seriously delayed. However, that delay notification is always followed by the disclaimer saying,...
Backgammon diplomacy takes center stage in Tskaltubo I don’t know about you, but I’ve never quite trusted the Olympics. During the opening ceremony, some misty-eyed sportscaster always starts gushing, “Every four years the nations of the world come...
These are not your mother’s museums Question: What do staplers, candles and ear rings have in common? Answer: They’re among the items on display at a wacky and wonderful museum in California which claims that it has the largest collection in the world devoted to...
Do we need a law to provide humane personal space on planes? As the US digests confrontations between airline crews and passengers, questions are swirling about what has caused this us-vs.-them attitude between passengers and airlines. Some of the reasons seem clear,...
An island of environmental diversity One part of Puerto Rico is blanketed by the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. The setting is very different not far away, where a mountain range that blocks rain-producing weather systems has created a...
What happens when travelers don’t put their middle name in 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 had been reduced to...
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.
Airlines Refunds: DOT enforcement notice that all airline tickets canceled by the airlines must be repaid to include all airfare, taxes and added fees with cash not airline credits.
Bi-partisan bill to eliminate hotel resort fees introduced into House of Representatives
Creation of the DOT Consumer Advocate to focus on aviation consumer protections
Full Fare Act — Advertised airfares now include all mandatory taxes and fees
Lost/damaged/delayed luggage compensation limit increased to $3,800
Denied boarding (bumping) compensation increased to a maximum of $1,550.
Passengers have 24 hours to change or cancel their nonrefundable tickets without penalty
Once 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.
