Suspicionless searches of traveler’s electronic devices ruled unconstitutional Last week, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts Judge Denise J. Casper ruled that suspicionless searches of laptops and travelers’ cellphones,...
Real ID Reality is coming fast as Oct. 1 approaches For air travelers, the Real ID Act “hard” deadline of October 1, 2020, is fast approaching. Many U.S. citizens and lawful residents already have their new Real ID, but for others, the deadline is approaching too...
US can’t authenticate fake passports with e-chips Since 2007, the U.S. Department of State has issued only e-passports, the ones with the smart chip in them. They were introduced to enhance passport security by stopping fake passports. Also in 2007, the State...
The deadline for Implementing the Real ID Act is extended to January 22, 2018. Right now, no individual needs to adjust travel plans, or rush out to get a new driver’s license or a passport for domestic air travel. Until January 22, 2018, residents of all states will...
Until last week, air travelers could insist on opting out of full-body scan at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport checkpoints, instead choosing an enhanced pat down. On Dec. 18, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) changed TSA’s Advanced...
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.