Don’t let yourself be deceived by airline seating games of hide and seek. As the airlines have begun unbundling their airfares, many seats now require paid reservations. On some flights, I have seen every aisle seat and every window seat tagged with an extra...
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...
It’s not your imagination. Airline passengers suffer from exit envy — they do almost anything to get off the aircraft as soon as it arrives. I saw it after my recent flight from Los Angeles to Houston landed. I opened the overhead bin to grab my carry-on bag,...
Consumer protection notification and DOT airline complaint systems need improvement. Improving the Department of Transportation (DOT) processes to help passengers is a Travelers United goal. DOT has enhanced its website and provides better customer service...
Aviation and environmental leaders work together to pass the Sustainable Skies Act. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, Airlines for America (A4A) CEO Nick Calio, and the Environmental Defense Fund’s senior vice president for climate Nathaniel Keohane, stood side by side...
Sometimes the hotel human touch works wonders even in a touchless world These days there are all kinds of commercials and online ads for great hotel websites and apps. Many intimate that booking through them will get you some glorious room or suite at a good price....
I have 20 don’t-miss cruise experiences for your next voyage. There are many cruise experiences that you’ll learn on your first or second cruise that you likely didn’t anticipate. The importance of learning about the ship’s various public areas...
Since the pandemic, overall involuntary bumping has dropped more than 77 percent. The airlines are far more astute at denied boarding compensation. The airlines by law are required to pay passengers $1,550 denied boarding compensation. Some airlines have allowed gate...
A visit to Venice will be rewarding, but limited In a way, this post pains me. It pains me because Venice is not for the disabled. Other than the top sights, such as at the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s, Venice for the disabled is laced with narrow walking...
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.