What’s best for traveling in Europe — rental car or train?
I spent much of my youth living in Europe as a military brat. One of the big bargains then was the Eurailpass. I clickity-clacked through Europe for months. In those days, there were few bargains as dramatic or romantic as the Eurailpass. It was once the cheapest mode of transportation short of lacing up your hiking boots or sticking out your thumb. Car rentals were rare and very expensive. However, today, Eurailpasses cost far more and have restrictions galore. Today, for many travelers (especially those traveling in a group), the best bargain is a rental car.
How to file consumer complaints and get compensation from airlines
Consumer protection notification and DOT airline complaint systems need improvement. We are still waiting for the second iteration of the DOT's new consumer complaints system. Now that the Trump Administration is in charge, expect more than a few delays. Improving the...
Should DOT protect airline passengers or the airlines?
Passenger protections should reign supreme, but they do not. DOT was established to serve the public better. Nowhere did the Airline Deregulation Act mention helping the airlines. It focuses on public benefits and safety. Over time the mission has become one of helping the airlines.
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.
Eight air travel planning mistakes to avoid
I have eight air travel planning mistakes air travelers need to avoid to make their air travel easier with fewer problems from airline personnel. Air travel planning mistakes for your journey are easy to make. There are a large variety of factors that you must take...
Airlines are trying to undo consumer protections
The airline industry is moving quickly to undo consumer protections. Put in place during the last four years, last few weeks, the major U.S. airlines asked the Transportation Department to drop a proposal to compensate passengers for flight disruptions. A court has...
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 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.
No ticket agent satisfaction? Hang up the phone. Call the airline again.
When there are problems with airline tickets, humans are often the best solution. As much as carriers tout their automatic rebooking programs, those programs are limited and not very creative. Call the airline again.
Sixteen essential tips to stay safe while traveling
Here are 16 tips to help solo travelers stay safe while traveling anywhere in the world. Traveling alone can mean freedom for some, as they have the opportunity to do exactly what they want without compromising their journey to please or satisfy a companion. They can...