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...
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...
These airport security dos and don’ts will help with problems at security checkpoints. Often, air travel isn’t easy. Getting through TSA security or airport security internationally can be challenging, with different rules in different countries and...
After a series of mishaps, United Airlines CEO Kirby claims, “planes are safe.” United Airlines planes are safe, according to Scott Kirby, the Chief Executive Officer of the airline. He told customers, pilots, and investors after a series of safety...
Here’s when you can get refunds on non-refundable tickets today. If you cancel within 24 hours of booking If you’ve booked a ticket in the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires U.S. and foreign air carriers to hold a reservation at the quoted...
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...
Smart travelers make these 8 passport mistakes People who travel internationally are generally among the savviest travelers. But they can still make mistakes — and some of the most common ones involve passports. As you start international travel again, make sure to...
It’s critical to secure carry-on bags overhead. They especially need protecting when you’re not seated or asleep. Last week, my column was devoted to securing checked luggage during air travel. Unfortunately, it’s not just checked luggage security...
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....
Amazingly, 1 out of 4 car rental travelers is wrongly accused of unjust rental car damage charges. A recent poll of Travelers United subscribers found that 25 percent of members have experienced unjust rental car damage charges. The surprising results come from a...
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.
