A question I’ve now heard for decades: Are travel agents still in business? It started when airlines started cutting commissions in 1995. And through the rise of the internet, online travel agencies, airline apps, AI, the alternatives to humans keep growing And...
Training travel agents will change the way we fly It’s almost impossible to get through a day without some scary story involving a US airline. And while United Airlines and Boeing are getting the most headlines, other delays and problems are happening regularly....
More travelers today consider a travel agent or advisor. Travel agents have been declared a dying profession for more years than I can count. We’re still around, whether the term is travel agent, advisor, or consultant. So many travelers now consider a travel...
The entire travel industry has staffing issues — even travel agent shortages as you plan your travels. As travel returns, it’s been a rough staffing year for the travel industry. Are we approaching a travel agent (or advisor) shortage? We all read stories about...
New DOT rules announced by President Biden and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg look to be a good thing for travelers. As I understand them, and the rules have just been announced, airlines will have to promptly refund travelers if they cancel a flight; if a...
Too many travel cooks can spoil the travel stew. Many travelers make some of their own bookings on the Internet. They only get a travel agent involved for more complicated travel and to get the perfect vacation planning. That works out fine until sometimes they try to...
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.
