What recourse do you have when a flight is canceled or delayed, or the airline changes its schedule, or loses or delays a checked bag or bumps you from a flight? Even though the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and European regulators promulgate and enforce consumer protections, there are probably fewer rights than you think,…
Unless you’re really lucky, sometime during your travels you will find yourself in a situation where an airline owes you something. Maybe it’s because of a delay, lost baggage, a rescheduled flight, whatever. When that day comes, the airline will almost surely try to settle by issuing you airline vouchers for future travel rather than…
An airline industry first took place this week. An airline, United, sent out a communique asking travelers if they really wanted to buy their lowest fare. The email began with “Basic Economy fares, which were created for our customers who may be more price-sensitive and come with some important restrictions, may not be for everyone…”.…
Chronic overbooking and other controversies may have rocked the airline industry this year, but that doesn’t mean that flight attendants or desk agents deserve to bear the brunt of your travel frustrations. As we all know, flights get delayed, delayed again, stuck on the runway or straight-up canceled. There are only so many things you…
We are in the midst of an international travel boom this summer. And that means one thing is certain: much longer lines at airport customs and immigration on both ends of your trip. Are you prepared? Have you built the possibility of immigration delays into your schedule? By now, every frequent international traveler should have Global…
No matter the size of your travel program, there’s a chance your company is missing out on thousands of dollars in benefits by neglecting to maximize savings through corporate airline loyalty programs. Even if you have enough volume to score multiple discount rates with different carriers, it’s still possible you could be leaving airline points…
Caribbean hurricane season is prime time for landing a deal. Sure, there’s some risk involved, but with smart planning and a bit of luck you can end up with a sunny and affordable tropical vacation … or get a refund if Mother Nature is seriously uncooperative. Here are tips from meteorologists, a travel insurance agent,…
Air Travel is becoming as ubiquitous as taking a bus or train — which means it no longer has its traditional mystique. But some mysteries still persist 35,000 feet in the air. There are plenty of things airlines don’t want you to know about flying. Are nonrefundable tickets really nonrefundable? What should you do if…
Ah, Los Angeles! Land of fame and fortune. But, despite how easy the tanned, jet-setting celebrities make it look, you need a lot more than a dream and a cardigan to navigate this southern California city’s many airports. True, the addition of sunshine and balmy temperatures make any initial landing pleasant, but in terms of…
Baggage fees, late check-out fees, extra legroom. Everywhere you look, ancillary fees from airlines to hotels are nibbling into travel budgets. The days are gone when buying a flight or a hotel stay meant you’d purchased the full experience. Having been lured in by that attractive basic fare, you can be stung for everything from…