Transportation Secretary appoints consumer advocate to new committee
Charlie Leocha, director of the Consumer Travel Alliance (CTA), has been appointed by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as the public interest representative to the Department of Transportation (DOT) Advisory Committee on Consumer Protections.
Drones coming to U.S. airspace — really? They are already here
We have all heard of Predator drones striking terrorist targets inside Pakistan, Yemen and other countries. There, these unmanned aircraft can fly with impunity. But, what about here at home? Drones area already being used to monitor our borders, realtors use them for aerial shots of properties, police departments are using drones more and more, and this is just the beginning.
Tips to be prepared in case of a cruise ship emergency
Last week Ned Levi looked at the maritime regulations which are in force for cruise ships and recommended changes, in light of the Costa Concordia tragedy. This week Ned offers safety tips for cruisers, so they are prepared in case an emergency occurs to help them ensure their safety, along with family, and friends traveling with them.
Refresh body and spirit with nontraditional Arizona spa treatments
Looking for a spa service different than the usual massage, facial, or wrap? These three treatments, available in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area in Arizona, are just that.
As the United-Continental merger continues, it’s flyer beware
No one said that merging two of the biggest U.S. carriers was going to be easy; it isn’t. Frequent travelers who live near Northwest and Delta hubs might be excused for smiling as United and Continental travelers deal with some of the issues they dealt with a couple years ago.
International travelers: Watch for a check in the mail!
If you used a US-issued VISA or MasterCard, or a VISA or MasterCard-branded ATM card, to make purchases or withdraw cash in foreign currency between 1996 and 2006, look for a check like the one below in your mail this week. Mine was delivered yesterday, so yours might...
6 questions to ponder before booking a Hawaiian vacation
Six questions travelers should ask themselves before they get started with booking a trip to Hawaii, either when booking themselves with an online booking site or working with a travel agent.
Life safety cruise ship regulation reform is essential
As the death toll mounts, the Costa Concordia tragedy horrifies us more and more, especially since it has become apparent the ship never should have hit the rock which tore a 300 foot hole in its hull, and that more timely and decisive action by the captain and crew...
Riding in the Head End of the ‘Builder’
I submitted a request to ride in an Amtrak locomotive, but that is such a rarely-approved privilege I had little hope it would ever actually happen. Imagine my delight when I was told arrangements had been made for me to ride in the “head end” of Amtrak’s daily Empire Builder during a Chicago-to-Seattle trip.
When a service charge is purely gratuitous
From a hotel spa notice: “For your convenience, a 20% service charge will automatically be added to each spa treatment and salon serice (sic) received. A tip or gratuity is not included and may be given to the therapist at your discretion.” Ah ha! A service charge for no service. How ingenious.