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LATEST STORIES
Four years ago, 73 percent of sick plane passengers would fly — flight changes were too costly. And today?
In a poll completed last week, almost 73 percent of passengers said they would fly even if they had the flu. More than half of those would fly because either change fees were too high or it was “to late” to make changes vacation plans.
A love-hate relationship between airlines and travel agents
Let's be honest — if airlines could operate without humans, they would. Already, there's a move towards kiosks and apps rather than talking to humans at the airport, or even speaking with a person on the phone. It appears to normal flyers that a love-hate relationship...
POLICY
Four years ago, 73 percent of sick plane passengers would fly — flight changes were too costly. And today?
In a poll completed last week, almost 73 percent of passengers said they would fly even if they had the flu. More than half of those would fly because either change fees were too high or it was “to late” to make changes vacation plans.
How airline alliance improvements are making international travel worse
Airlines have not mastered the technology to satisfy all business travelers. However, they have found ways to make traveling outside of their alliances more difficult for any traveler attempting to do so or to save money.
Six ways DOT is not delivering passenger protections
The Department of Transportation )DOT) seems to have lost its way when it comes to traveler protections. It doesn’t seem interested in taking care of its real customers, America’s consumers and the airline passengers. The needs of the public seem to be being ignored and the needs of airlines are getting higher billing than those of passengers. The malaise of DOT can be seen in its lackadaisical enforcement of passenger protections rules and its half-hearted efforts at getting rules written to put new laws passed more than a year ago into effect.
Know the DOT real rules for best compensation when you are bumped
Overbooking is not illegal, and most airlines overbook their scheduled flights to a certain extent in order to compensate for “no-shows.” Passengers are sometimes left behind or “bumped” as a result. When an oversale occurs, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires airlines to ask people who aren’t in a hurry to give up their seats voluntarily in exchange for compensation. Those passengers bumped against their will are, with a few exceptions, entitled to compensation.
TRAVEL ADVICE
Why the human touch is best for troubled travelers
This story about problematic airline delays shows how important it is to look for alternative flights in case your flight doesn’t take off at all.
How to get about $600 in flight delay compensation with EU rules
International flight delay compensation is unknown to most US travelers. It is covered under the Montreal Convention, an international treaty, and by Europen Union rules (EU air passenger delay compensation rules). A partner organization has taken the DOT to court to require that these international delay compensation rules get more visibility for US travelers.
Why an electronic ticket number still matters even without paper tickets
These days, almost all tickets are electronic, and most agencies don’t even have ticket printers. But while travelers may not need paper tickets, it’s still a good idea to be armed with e-ticket numbers.
United vs. American Airlines fight for supremacy at O’Hare is terrible for travelers
United vs. American Airlines: reducing competition, and the FAA is stepping in. This is one of many problems facing travelers that Congress should address. Brace yourself if you’re flying through O’Hare Airport this summer. United vs. American Airlines at O'Hare...
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Accomplishments
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.
- 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 $3,500
- 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.
