Holiday travel is hard. You must contend with the crowds, the high prices, the end of the shutdown — and the weather. This holiday season, I’ll probably see it all. Snow in the Pacific Northwest for Thanksgiving, thunderstorms in Chile for Christmas and stifling midsummer heat in Buenos Aires for New Year’s. There will be […] The post Here’s your ultimate guide to holiday travel this season appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
I have 11 do’s and don’ts to help you navigate through airport security checkpoints easily and with minimal hassle during the holidays. The winter holidays are fast approaching. U.S. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. The December holidays will be here before we know it. Year end travel to visit friends and family will […] The post Getting through airport security checkpoints during holidays appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
More and more travelers on the nation's highways during this pandemic are finding tolls on roads that have no system for manual toll collection — only electronic toll collection systems. Out-of-state traveler without a local FastPass, EZ-Pass, SunPass, or other local toll-collection passes should not be penalized. The post How to avoid electronic toll collection penalties appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a wonderful example of how airport art can be integrated into the architecture of a massive public structure. Its presence is subtle. Sometimes one has to search for it. But DC airport art soothes the soul of the harried traveler with quiet beauty. The post Fabulous DC airport art is tucked away in the damnedest places! appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
It could happen to you. Delayed and canceled flights are happening with greater frequency during this shutdown. This, however, is considered a delay or cancellation beyond the airline’s control. This is especially true if your flight is part of the FAA slowdown to help deal with the ATC slowdown. Here’s what you have to know […] The post What should I do if my flight is canceled or delayed? appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Setting strategies for shutdowns and maybe future ones. Many Americans, including air travelers, like to ignore politics these days. Unfortunately, politics don’t ignore us. At the time of writing, the current government shutdown has lasted over a month, and now Department of Transportation head Sean Duffy has ordered airlines to start reducing schedules. Travelers United […] The post Strategies for shutdowns, and perhaps future ones? appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Veteran’s Day is a day to honor all the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces. To honor and learn about them, l recommend these US military sites. Veterans Day in the U.S. is tomorrow. It was designated as November 11th. World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th […] The post Six amazing US military sites for your journey to honor our veterans appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
The federal government has redefined truth in advertising. Make sure to read the fine print. How are we to know what the price of travel products will be? The DOT allows airlines to separate baggage, seat assignments, and more from airline tickets. The FAA allows at least two levels of safety, not the one that […] The post Truth in advertising — the basis of competition appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Air travelers flying to and from Europe have important air travel rights when it comes to airline delays and missed connections worth almost $800..| Travelers United
Ruined vacations by a toxic blend of self-importance and social blindness. Bad behavior in hotels has been front and center lately. A recent survey by Expedia suggested hotel faux pas are a growing problem. Topping the list of no-nos: bare feet in hotel common areas (94 percent) and wearing hotel robes outside the room (92 […] The post Ruined vacations by a new kind of hotel guest appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
One of my clients, a local doctor, comments to me that when she mentions using a travel agent, some of her colleagues and friends often react with surprise. "You still use a travel agent?" "are there still travel agents?" The post Travel agent benefit may be the best travel insurance appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
The five worst travel mobile phone scams to avoid include robocalls, fake notifications, fake QR codes, travel verification, and fake AI family member voice scams trying to steal your money and/or identity. Mobile phone scams, particularly those targeting smartphones, foul people’s travel plans. With their use comes vulnerability to potential financial and identity theft scams. […] The post The five worst travel mobile phone scams to avoid appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
DOT fines are laughable. It is like “the emperor has no clothes!” Why is airline customer service so bad? Part of the reason is the paltry DOT fines assessed against the airlines for breaking the Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. Last year, DOT fined the three network carriers a total of $1.44 when compared to […] The post DOT fines have no teeth. Would a $2 fine deter you? appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Ski and snowboard resorts seem strange places to find ghosts. But when you consider that many of our winter snow resorts are built in areas that once had wild and sometimes grisly histories, then the occasional appearance of an unsettled soul is perhaps not so surprising. The post Haunted ski resorts that will scare the bejesus out of you appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
CLIA’s Cruise Line Bill of Rights outlines passenger rights. According to a new guide issued by Christopher Elliott about the cruise line industry, this is the definitive definition of a cruise line bill of rights. These are the ten rights cruise line passengers have after paying for a cruise experience. When disaster on the high […] The post How the cruise line bill of rights and refund policy affect you appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
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There are so many things I miss about easy, uncomplicated travel relaxation. Yes, even annoyances like airport lines, cramped seats, and flight delays seem so quaint these days. On the other hand, I miss total travel relaxation. Of course, I miss seeing new places, I miss seeing friends, I miss great hotels and especially rooms […] The post Why we take joy in unexplained travel relaxation appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Twelve busted technology myths the persist among travelers who continue putting their identity, personal data and finances at serious risk. Technology is now part and parcel of travel, both leisure and business travel. Belief in busted technology myths persist that prevent travelers from keeping their identity and personal data secure. Below are 12 myths that […] The post Busted technology myths that persist among travelers putting their identity at serious risk appeared first on Travelers ...| Travelers United
The European Union (EU) has strict rules and Canada just instituted airline flight delay rules. However, the US has not even started the processes to begin the bureaucratic path to instituting any such rules. The post Why doesn’t the US have flight delay rules to protect passengers? appeared first on Travelers United.| Travelers United
Marijuana testing is not developed or consistent though Marijuana is legal to purchase in scores of states. But, DUI is illegal.| Travelers United
20 crucial steps for you to use to secure your home while you travel. People forget to secure their home. When they go on a vacation, they typically spend a great deal of time planning for the vacation. They spend time researching their destination, then booking plane flights, hotels, rental cars, entertainment, etc. Before they […]| Travelers United
The Inventors Hall of Fame Museum has inducted new members who have had a major impact on the field of travel.| Travelers United
Save the passenger rights that the consumer advicates worked so hard to get into the FAA reauthorization bill and through DOT.| Travelers United
Use these 12 tips to get through airport security and avoid travel disruption. They will make your experience and TSA's better.| Travelers United
One person's "best hotel" can be another person's "meh" at best. Even when money is no object, or not the number one factor, it's still not that simple.| Travelers United
Safety at events with crowds takes planning, street smarts, and reasonable precautions at the event. Many of us will travel to view parades, sporting events, concerts, etc., in the months to come. Use my 12 essential safety tips at events with crowds. Generally, we only think about the event and the excitement of being there […]| Travelers United
Sometimes passengers want to have paid seat assignments. Other times they are only a tought. Here are some rules for reserving seats.| Travelers United
A common flight credit rule allows airlines and travel providers to keep airfares. Plus, helps passengers use travel credits as they desire.| Travelers United
Airline passengers can file in Small Claim Courts for contractual lawsuites. State courts are preempted by federal courts for other issues.| Travelers United
These are the DOT rules for involuntary denied boarding or bumping compensation. The airlines may add more sweeteners, but don't take less.| Travelers United
DOT sued for not enforcing international passenger compensation rules and failing with proper Montreal Convention disclosure| Travelers United
Have tipping expectations gotten out of hand, especially if you're charged up front before you've received any service. Shouldn't tips be a reward?| Travelers United
Can making the right boarding anouncements really make travel better. WiFi is working, there may be a snack shortage, and stow your bag quickly.| Travelers United
Today on Memorial Day, let's honor those who sacrificed themselves for the American ideal -- the military and medical personnel.| Travelers United
Consumers need more competition at DCA. Many other airlines serve this airport and should be at the front of the line.| Travelers United
Call the airline again when asking for a change. Find yourself getting nowhere? It may be time to speak with a new agent. That may help.| Travelers United
Changes to AURA that can reassign connecting flights are critical and overdue. To many passengers miss flights though on time.| Travelers United
Review my 12 cyber and physical methods for passport and document security from criminals and cybercriminals while planning and during your journey. For international travel, there is nothing more important than passport and document security. Passports serve as the primary documentary proof of identity and nationality to foreign governments on entry to their nations. There […]| Travelers United
Airlines sick passenger rules force many sick passengers (even with doctor notes) to fly and allow the spread of contagious diseases.| Travelers United
But this story highlights an increasingly important issue in the age of high-tech travel booking, where often travelers never talk to a human. Reading matters. Or, another way of saying it is RTDT - Read. The. Darn(?). Thing.| Travelers United
Fainting on planes is the most common inflight medical emergency. More passengersare packed into planes and passing out inflight is increasing| Travelers United
Rental car or train is a dificult decision. Rambling through a country means a rental car. Trains work to move from city to city.| Travelers United
DOT does not tell travelers how fo file airline complaints with DOT. They do not inform passengers of domestic and international passenger compensation.| Travelers United
Online booking mistakes happen. Itinerary changes can often affect an entire trip. Slow down and check. Make sure you bring the right info.| Travelers United
Use secure WiFi everyday with the Travelers United cybersecurity package. Get VPN security, a digital vault, and password manager as a member| Travelers United
The 24-hour rule allows trips to be canceled but does not allow middle-name changes or additions. The tickets must be canceled then repurchased.| Travelers United
Airline competition keep airfares low that's why airlines hate it. Three US airlines have carved the US into a land of little competition.| Travelers United
Lost and confiscated belongings that are taken by TSA, misplaced by airlines, forgotten on planes and at TSA checkpoints have another life.| Travelers United
It is time for a unified pilot rule. Shouldn't the rule for all passenger pilots be the same for all flights whether scheduled or chartered.| Travelers United
Airline seat reservation games harm passengers. Seating is kept from those who want to make reservations to save seats for elite passengers.| Travelers United
Lock checked luggage. Makes it at least somewhat difficult for airport, TSA and airline personnel to steal your belongings.| Travelers United
What is TSA screening and what can do to you at the screening area. Does the TSA have access to records like the DMV.| Travelers United
Real ID is the law as of May 7 this year. But TSA will not start to fine anyone until May 5, 2027. Travelers get warnings until the 2027.| Travelers United
Know the TSA firearms travel rules when you travel with a firearm. Knowing the rules means no firearms confiscation and easy flying. %| Travelers United
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 mixed during the summer here, though […]| Travelers United
Prevent extra car rental charges and other problems by using ten essential tips. Fill up after rentals. Know the toll rules. And more.| Travelers United
Very long delays means at times you have to sleep at the airport. This helps when that happens and provides tips to avoid airport overnmghts.| Travelers United
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The five worst travel mobile phone scams to avoid| Travelers United
A handicapped traveler needs to plan ahead to plan their need for wheelchairs and to have change for tips for assistance.| Travelers United
7 mistakes to avoid at TSA checkpoints. These suggestions all help both TSA officers and travelers are in a hurry to move through security.| Travelers United
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past fourteen years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018. He also served on the Consumer Advocacy Subcommittee of the Transportation Security Advisory Board.| Travelers United
Hotel amenities guests really want seem to be coming to lodging you might book. Follow Chris Elliott's rules. You'll be srprised.| Travelers United
Here are 10 lost domestic luggage rules to keeping baggage for getting maximum compensation for lost/damaged/delayed luggage.| Travelers United
Summer COVID real. Take the same precautions you were once ordered to and get vaccinations. You can also wear masks.| Travelers United
Airlines squeeze extra money from their passengers and then they force those passengers to squeeze on to smaller and smaller seats.| Travelers United
The longest-flight-first rule when booking connecting flights really works. If possible, this rule often makes missing a connection much less of a hassle.| Travelers United
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If Congress wants to help travelers with delays, it can fund training travel agents| www.travelersunited.org
Is customer service inproving? It really is. The government is trying as are isurance companies, and airlines.| Travelers United
Are we approaching a travel agent shortage? Or, are we in it? Agents can raise fees and travelers will pay more and search more for agents.| Travelers United
Passengers have no DOT legal policy. The DOT complaint system is the first step. There is no roadmap for follow-on legal actions.| Travelers United
Secure carry-on bags overhead when flying. They are where you keep the most important items such as medicines, jewelry, and cash.| Travelers United
The 24-hour rule give passengers a full day to make changes to flight specificts. Change name spellings, destinations or cancel reservations.| Travelers United