ConsumerAffairs.Com Travel News http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news_index/travel.html Travel scams, lawsuits, prosecutions, company info and warnings from ConsumerAffairs.Com en-us Copyright 2004 ConsumerAffairs.Com info@consumeraffairs.com (Truman Lewis) jhood@consumeraffairs.com (Jim Hood) http://backend.userland.com/rss United, US Air To Charge For One Checked Bag http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/airline_bags.html Carriers still trying to chip away at high fuel costs. TSA's New Scanner Gets Up Close and Personal http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/06/tsa_scanners.html Modesty sacrificed to security in new see-through scanners. American Slashes Routes, Charges for One Checked Bag http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/aa_bags.html First airline to charge for a single checked bag; fuel costs blamed. Customer Satisfaction with Airports Dives http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/airport_satisfaction.html Report follows similar finding for airline satisfaction. Airlines Hit Seven-Year Low In Satisfaction http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/airlines_satisfaction.html IRS scores higher than airlines in customer satisfaction. House Joins Senate in Boosting Rail Travel http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/rail_house.html More Americans riding the rails as gas prices soar. Protections Increased for Air Travelers with Disabilities http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/05/travel_ada.html But travelers complain existing rules are often ignored. TSA's Air Cargo Plans Questioned http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/tsa_cargo.html Cargo companies would do their own security checks. Frontier Airlines 4th Airline to Taxi into Bankruptcy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/airlines_tank2.html Blames dispute with its credit-card processor. Carnival Cruise Lines to Refund $40 Million in Fuel Surcharges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/04/fl_cruise_charges.html Florida goes after cruise lines for retroactive charges. American Airlines Grounds Planes For Inspection http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/american_inspections.html Wiring bundles on MD-80s will be re-inspected. FAA To Review All Airline Maintenance Procedures http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/faa_inspections.html Earlier warnings about outsourced maintenance ignored? United To Reduce its Fleet By 4 Percent http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/united_fleet.html Fuel costs squeezing airlines, leaving passengers with fewer flights. Pennsylvania Sues Exchange Student Business http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/pa_student_exchange.html Operators accused of diverting funds, misleading parents and misrepresenting program. Watch for Scams in Vacation Packages, Travel Deals http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/travel_scams.html Secret fees, misleading ads, hard-sell tactics are common. Missouri Sues Branson Timeshare Business http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/mo_branson.html Executive Timbers Resort accused of deception, fraud, misrepresentation. Airlines Hike Baggage Fees, Don't Promise Better Service http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/baggage_fees.html 'At the end of the day, it's a price increase,' airline executive admits. Cruise Lines Agree To Refund $21 Million In Fuel Surcharges http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/03/fl_cruise_charges.html Florida goes after cruise lines for retroactive charges. Feds Asked to Probe Student's Death on People to People Tour http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/p2p_hill_ftc.html Organization's advertising and safety claims questioned. Hazards of Rent-A-Car Child Safety Seats http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/rental_seats.html Consumer makes noise about illegal, unsafe seats; gets results. Flight Delays, Lost Bags at Record Highs http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/faa_stats.html Complaints to feds increased last year. United Charges for Second Bag http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/02/united_baggage.html Other carriers watching closely. Student 'Ambassador' Dies Neglected & Alone http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/p2p_hill.html Minnesota youth died after climbing Mount Fuji on a People to People tour of Japan. Feds Unveil New Airport Policy http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/dot_airports.html Airports could charge higher landing fees during busy times. TSA Site Left Passenger Data Exposed To ID Theft http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/tsa_privacy.html Poor design, inadequate oversight, led to information breach. New Rule Limits Lithium Batteries in Baggage http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/01/travel_lithium.html Batteries can start hard-to-fight fires. Feds Hope to Cut Airline Delays http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/travel_delays.html Traffic caps at NYC airports intended to reduce backups. Air Travel Rule #1: Expect the Unexpected http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/airline_blues.html What you need to know to avoid travel meltdown. Airlines Working on Chronically-Late Flights http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/12/airline_delays.html Overall airline performance slips slightly in October. Holiday Air Travelers Should Be Prepared http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/holiday_travel2.html Delays, snafus are likely; plan ahead to avoid frustration. White House Opens More Airspace For Holiday Travel http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/11/holiday_travel.html Military air space opened up for holiday period. Travel Scam Hits Southern Arizona http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/az_travel_scam.html Scammers sell card that supposedly reaps big travel benefits. US Airways Cuts Flights From Pittsburgh http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/usair_pgh.html Increasing competition leads to cutbacks. Southwest Airlines Sticks With Open Seating http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/southwest_seats.html New system assigns passengers to a boarding group. Homeland Security Imposes New Rules on Private Planes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_private.html DHS Chief Chertoff: New rules plug a large loophole. Venice Slaps Fines on Sloppy, Shirtless Tourists http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_venice.html Hostesses patrol the sidewalks and canals, looking for litterers. Passport Snarl Finally Ends http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_passports.html Feds claim everything's back to normal. TSA Faulted for Lax Cargo Security http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_cargo.html Most cargo still goes uninspected, report finds. American Opens Posh New Terminal at JFK http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_aa.html More room, automated check-in should ease the pain. Panama Canal Widening Project Starts http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_panama.html Wider canal should mean lower consumer prices. Newark Delays Trigger Passenger Rights Bill in NJ http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/09/travel_nj.html Airlines could be fined $1,000 per passenger for delays. Windjammer Still Taking Wind Out Of Vacationers' Sails http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/windjammer.html Unpaid crews leave ships grounded, customers angry. Problems Found With Wing Bolts On Four U.S. Planes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_bolts.html Newer Boeing 737s inspected after China Airlines crash. Summer Travel Gridlock Likely to Get Worse http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_summer.html Labor Day promises to hold some unpleasant surprises for travelers. Continental Passengers Fume Over New Tarmac Ordeal http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/continental_delay.html Flight from Venezuela sits on runway for more than four hours. U.S. Drivers Risk Their Lives on Foreign Roads http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/driving_abroad.html Unfamiliar roads, local customs, jet lag add to risk of driving abroad. FAA Fights Proliferation of Small Planes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_small.html More and smaller planes lead to congestion headache. Billion-Dollar LAX Gate Complex to Serve Giant Jets http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_lax.html New facility is long overdue, everyone admits. Rowdy Plane Passengers Face Serious Penalties http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_disruptions.html Disruptive incidents aloft decrease this year. Airline On-Time Performance Slips http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/airline_performance.html Lost bags, cancellations up too. Troubled Northwest Strikes New Deal With Pilots http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_nwa2.html Carrier reworks pay scale for captains, hoping to end labor shortage. Airlines Compete for Inflight Internet http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_wifi.html American, JetBlue, Southwest hoping to launch within a year. Passengers to Get Restitution From Airline Collusion http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_collusion.html British Airways, Korean Air pay $300 million each. TSA Not On Board with Registered Traveler Programs http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/tsa_vip.html TSA chief thinks pre-screening programs pose a security risk. A Seething Summer of Discontent for Northwest Airlines http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/08/travel_nwa.html Shortage of pilots means big delays, flight cancellations as Northwest struggles out of bankruptcy. Lone Congressman Can’t Kill Amtrak http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_amtrak2.html But fate of the national passenger rail system remains in doubt as Bush threatens veto. TSA Worries About Terrorist 'Rehearsals' http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/tsa_rehearsals.html Unusual incidents at four airports are cause for concern. Congress Finds Fault With FAA's Slow Fixes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_faa_cong.html Air traffic controllers worn to a frazzle, Congressional committee finds. Passengers Convince Cruise Line to Go Smokefree http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_cruise.html Royal Caribbean phasing in no-smoking rule on all its ships. 'Registered Traveler' Expands to More Airports http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_vip.html Pre-cleared travelers get to fly through security lines. Upstart Airlines Offer Low-Fare Alternatives to Europe http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_lowfare.html Mainline carriers scramble to match bargain fares of new international airlines. Senator Seeks Head of FAA Chief http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/faa_delays.html Sen. Charles Schumer says the FAA chief hasn't done enough to clear air traffic congestion and delays. Short Runways Plague Brazil’s Busiest Airport http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_airports.html Like some busy U.S. airports, Sao Paulo's runways are short, its traffic control system overloaded. Lack of Federal Funding Could Kill Amtrak http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_amtrak.html Congress, White House at odds over budget. Northwest Passengers Face Uncertain Summer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_northwest.html Carrier cuts its flight schedule in the midst of busy summer season. Southwest Boosts Fares, Others Follow http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_southwest.html Price of fuel takes bite out of discount carriers as well as legacy airlines. Feds Propose Changes in Airline Bumping Rule http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_overbooking.html Penalties for bumping passengers could go up. Authorities Worry About Attacks on Tourists http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_terror_attacks.html Terror attacks a worldwide problem during peak travel times. Iran’s Tourist Drive Ignores the U.S. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_iran.html Iran beefs up tourism promotion but doesn't want dollars from the Great Satan. British Terror Scares Mar Holiday Weekend http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/07/travel_terror.html No major delays at U.S. airports ... yet. Runway Run-Ins Remain Big Problem http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/runway_runins.html FAA reports 31 mishaps on U.S. runways last year. Hawaii Ferry Will Bring Islands Closer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/hawaii_ferry.html Hawaii Superferry will run daily three-hour voyages between Maui and Oahu. Upside-Down Coaster Leaves Riders Hanging http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/roller_coaster.html Power failure leaves riders stranded on ride in Hot Springs, Ark. Pilot Shortages Plague Northwest Passengers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/travel_northwest_cancellations.html Pilots exceed hourly quotas, causing delays and cancellations. Domestic Fares Fall For Summer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/travel_fares.html Major airlines have dropped domestic airfares this summer for the first time in three years. LAX Deluge Douses Waiting Passengers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/lax_deluge.html Latest setback for air travelers -- burst pipe floods terminal. Furious Travelers Blame Feds For Passport Mess http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/passport_fury.html Vacation plans go awry as agencies stumble over themselves. Summer Brings No Relief For Fliers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/travel_travails.html Computer glitches, bad weather, plumbing problems get summer off on the wrong foot. Passport Frenzy Forces Further Rule Change http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/passport_frenzy.html Deadline for all passengers to show passport pushed back to June 2008. Congress Fights Homeland Security Over Passport Snafu http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/passport_snafu.html Voters, travel industry protest delays, confusion. Security Fences to Protect New York Airports http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/nyc_airport_fence.html High-tech fences will be similar to the one that surrounds Ben-Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. Importer Recalls Toothpaste After FDA Warning http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/toothpaste_recall.html Tubes of Chinese-made toothpaste may contain a deadly chemical. Flight Controllers Claim Staffing Levels at Danger Point http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/faa_traffic.html Controllers union points to higher than usual number of near-misses over NYC lately. FAA’s Re-Routing Plan Could Kill Storm Delays http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/faa_rerouting.html Airlines may be reluctant to go along though. New Passport Rules Temporarily Suspended http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/passport_rules.html State Department can't keep up with the demand. Pilots' Pay Demands May Boost Fares http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/pilots_pay.html As airlines get back into the black, pilots seek to make up for lost time. Passenger Groups Blast Feds Over Airline Service http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/late_flights.html Regulators "too busy" to meet with consumer groups. JFK Airport Plot Renews Calls for Worker Screening http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/jfk_plot.html Congress considering bills that would include more surprise inspections. Consumer Reports Finds High Fees and Guest-Gouging on the Rise http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/guest_gouging.html As business and leisure travel picks up, hotels cash in. Active Hurricane Season Could Thwart Travelers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/travel_hurricanes.html Forecasters predicting above-normal storm activity this year. Vacation Scams Spike In Summer http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/06/vacation_scams.html Unofficial start of summer marks travel scam kick-off. Future Security Could Feature Facial Photos http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/travel_facial_photos.html TSA rejects it but feds push ahead with "full frontal" technology. Redeeming Frequent Flyer Miles Becomes Easier http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/travel_awards.html Airlines swear they'll make more seats available ... but not right now. Customs Staffing Shortages Translate to Long Lines http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/travel_customs.html Thousands more customs agents needed to handle summer travel. Windjammer Will Bail Out LaMer Investors http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/windjammer.html Cruise line says its investors won't take a bath. People to People Executive Sentenced to Prison http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/p2p_sentencing.html Finance director stole money from student travel organization. American Strands Another Planeload of Passengers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/american_strands_again.html Bags of potato chips don't mollify travelers. The Changing Face of First Class http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/05/travel_first_class.html International airlines take first class into new stratospheres but it is disappearing at home. Scientist Worries WiFi May Harm Children http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/wifi_kids.html Wireless Internet becoming more widespread than cell phones, heightening the risk, prominent Brit argues. Start-Up Airline Banks on Rock-Bottom Prices http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/skybus.html Skybus starts with low fares, charges extra for just about everything. Homeland Security Eases Passport Rules for Kids http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/passports_kids.html New rules make it easier for children entering the U.S. by land or sea. Packed Planes in March Suggest Summer Crunch http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/travel_packed_planes.html A sardine-can summer awaits air travelers. Bush May Veto Airport Screening Machines http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/travel_screening.html White House dislikes provision that would let TSA workers unionize. Air Travelers Association Opposes Passenger Bill of Rights http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/travel_billofrights.html Proposed new rules would only make matters worse, ATA argues. Lower Cruise Fares Lure Spring Break Crowd http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/travel_spring_cruise.html Partying collegians not always a good mix with the more sedate cruise set. Competition Comes to Registered Traveler Services http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/registered_traveler.html More private companies offering VIP airport treatment for those able to pay. Hawaiian Airlines Displaces JetBlue in Quality Ratings http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/04/airline_performance.html Heavy passenger loads drag down performance, add to baggage woes. TSA Dragnet Aims to Block Potential Threats http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/travel_tsa.html Agents targeting southeastern U.S. and Puerto Rico airports first for stepped-up surveillance of airport workers. The Sky's the Limit with Open Skies http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/travel_open_skies.html European Union set to approve opening flights between U.S. and Europe. FAA Forbids Controllers from Working Alone http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/travel_controllers.html Agency says it will start enforcing its rule after fatal Kentucky crash. Screening Screeners Isn't Enough; TSA Steps Up Employee Screenings http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/airpport_screeners.html Alleged gun-running by Florida airport worker dramatizes the problem. Naked City Comes to Life in Phoenix Airport http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/airport_naked_city.html Now undergoing its final test in Phoenix, new see-through screener may head to LAX and JFK next. Passport Rules Shift Spring Break Geography http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/travel_spring_break.html More collegians headed for mainland, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands beaches. Spirit Airlines Fiddles with Fare Structure http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/spirit_airlines.html Baggage, beverage fees go up, fares may come down. Feds Consider New Lithium Battery Restrictions on Airplanes http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/airlines_batteries.html Recent fires aboard airliners may mean new rules for transporting laptops, cell phones, etc. Long Tarmac Delays Still Common http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/tarmac_delays.html Continental Express, American, American Eagle take top spots in the runway delay derby. Problems Persist for US Airways Passengers http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/usair_kiosks.html Integration of US Airways/America West reservation system gets bumpy. Winter Weather Wreaks Havoc with United Flights http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/03/united_delays.html Flight sits on O'Hare runway for 7 hours before being canceled. Feds Want Probe of Airline Strandings http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/airlines_dot.html Department of Transportation looking into JetBlue, American Airlines incidents. American Tourist Kills Mugger in Costa Rica http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/travel_mugger.html Cruise ship passengers attacked, ex-Marine responds. JetBlue Sits Out NY Storm While Others Fly http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/jetblue_ice.html Leery of sitting on the tarmac, JetBlue cancels flights while other airlines fly. Airline Passenger Bill Of Rights Introduced In Senate http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/airline_passengers.html Senate bill sets three-hour limit on runway delays. TSA Adds Security Checks for Airport Employees http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/tsa_searchers.html Atlanta is the latest airport to start random searches of employees. US Airways Still Sorting Out Lost Bags http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/02/travel_usair.html Huge backlog in Philadelphia seems to defies solution.