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.
The right time for a hotel room complaint is when you arrive
One of my least favorite hotel commercials is about two people checking out. It turns out they paid different rates at the same hotel. Obviously, it seems they had a hotel room complaint. It doesn't say what kind of rooms they each had. Sometimes, it is just about a...
Top seven tips to choose a great cabin on a cruise ship.
Choosing a cabin on a cruise ship involves numerous and often competing issues. I've got seven tips to help you choose a great cabin on your next cruise. I’m on a multi-week cruise as I write this column. I’m visiting ports and seas “Down Under.” The weather has been...
Do passengers really want on-time filghts or flight availability?
Airlines are cutting flight availability dramatically and unexpectedly. Fewer on-time flights do not bode well for future bookings. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that they are now recording the most fliers at US airports. More...
No pets on planes — here’s why you should leave yours at home
It's time for pets to stop flying. There, I said it: Let's ground Fido and Fluffy for good. There have been too many animal incidents on aircraft this summer, including the Delta Air Lines passenger who lost her dog while traveling from Santo Domingo to San Francisco...
2024 Christmas Videos
ENJOY THESE SELECT VIDEOS OF CHRISTMAS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. Join Travelers United — Membership includes a top cybersecurity package with a Swiss global data vault Join Travelers United — Membership includes a top cybersecurity package with a Swiss global data vault...
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year — may our many voices be heard
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in as many languages as I can find. An almost-annual tradition from us at Consumer Traveler and Travelers United. May our gift for Christmas and our resolution for the New Year be letting our voices be heard by airline, hotel, rental car, cruise line, and other travel providers. May this holiday season and the new year bring a better travel experience for all.
Ten tips for travelers to prevent extra car rental charges and other problems
I have ten essential tips to prevent extra car rental charges for existing damage and to forestall other problems. I'm on an extended journey right now. By returning home, I will have traveled by land, air, and sea, and my overall distance will be almost 30,000 miles....
Can I sleep on the airport floor? Strategies for very long delays
The airport floor is probably the last place you want to sleep. But it's sometimes the only place for passengers like John Paul Engel. Engel has faced a long delay and nowhere to go on several occasions, including this summer in Miami. He thinks catching a few Zs on...
How to use less mobile data when you travel
While traveling we become even more dependent on our smartphones than usual. There are no other phones to use, we all need to get around so map programs are more and more important. Airline boarding passes are often loaded on cell phones. Apps that tell travelers the best hotels and restaurants are needed more than ever. And every time we pick up our mobile phone we need to use international data.