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BREAKING: Computer Glitch Causes Widespread Delays
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A computer glitch in Atlanta has set off a wave of delays across the country, and numerous airlines have already canceled flights. Watch this space for updates.
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Meet Your Rep: The Passenger Rights Lobby in D.C.
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Charles Leocha, Director of the newly formed Consumer Travel Alliance, explains that passenger rights shouldn't stop at tarmac delays, and says there is hope on the horizon.
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DOT Establishes Panel to Fix Airline Industry
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Two words: Good luck! But the Department of Transportation is serious, and plans to create a "roadmap for the future of the airline industry." But is there really any hope?
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What Can I Do When the Airline Screws Up?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
British Airways recently sold tickets from the U.S. to India for $40. Great deal? Not so much. It was an error, and anyone who booked those fares had their flight canceled. What to do?
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Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide
by SmarterTravel.com Staff
Two dollars for a soda? Ten bucks for an aisle seat? If you're confused about which airlines are charging for which "perks," our Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees can help. We've put every major fee from every major airline in one place.
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Airline Fees: The Ultimate Guide (Europe Edition)
by Jaclyn Liechti, SmarterTravel.com Staff
In response to reader requests, we decided to put together a chart detailing fees for trips to and around Europe.
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Top Five Travel Horror Stories of 2009
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
What's scarier, a bloodthirsty ghoul or an overnight tarmac delay? (Hint: The tarmac delay.) Read on to discover the year's most terrifying stories from the travel industry, and then submit your own!
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Q&A With Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
With passenger-rights legislation picking up steam in Congress, we asked Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org for her take on the progress made so far and the obstacles still to come.
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Senator Says Passenger Rights Bill Will Happen
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
One of the co-sponsors of a passenger rights bill says she thinks there is enough support in Congress to get the job done.
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Airline Punctuality Improves in July
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
By posting its best July numbers in six years, the airline industry proves, yet again, that it's easier to keep planes on schedule with fewer of them in the air.
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Can an Airline Cancel My Flight Without Telling Me?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A reader asks if airlines can cancel her flight without telling her right away. The answer? Airlines can do just about anything, and it's up to consumers to keep an eye on their bookings.
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Southwest Faces Grounding Over Unapproved Parts
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The FAA wants the carrier to replace unapproved parts on 82 aircraft by today, or else the airline will be forced to ground those planes. Southwest has asked for an extension.
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Readers Want Passenger Bill of Rights Legislation
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
A recent SmarterTravel survey shows readers overwhelmingly want Congress to legislate a passenger bill of rights, and that current proposals don't do enough.
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Sun Country Sets Maximum Tarmac Wait Time
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
After stranding passengers on the tarmac for six hours, Sun Country announced it will enforce a four-hour time limit on tarmac delays. But will it make a difference?
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New Tool Predicts Flight Delays
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
What if you could know, in advance, the likelihood of your flight being delayed? FlightCaster purports to do exactly that, with delay predictions up to six hours before your scheduled departure.
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U.S. Investigating Overnight Tarmac Delay
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood wants to know if anything illegal took place when ExpressJet confined passenger on a small regional jet overnight.
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Continental Offers Apology, Refund, Blame
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Continental has officially apologized and offered refunds and credits to 47 customers forced to spend Friday night on the tarmac in Minnesota. But no one is taking responsibility yet.
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47 Passengers Trapped Overnight on Regional Jet
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
An astounding confluence of bizarre circumstances and inflexible rules led to a "nightmare" situation aboard a small jet in Minnesota. Moral of the story? There has got to be a better way.
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JetBlue, Alaska Lead JD Power Rankings Again
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
For the fourth straight year, JetBlue led the low-cost carrier group in the annual customer service survey, while Alaska took top honors among traditional network carriers.
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Airline Customer Service Improving
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Yet again, an airline customer service survey shows that as passenger numbers drop, passenger satisfaction increases. Oh, and all those fees help, too.
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JetBlue Extends Refunds for Laid-Off Passengers
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
The airline's Promise Program has been extended through the end of the year. Hopefully this is one airline offer you'll never have to take. But it's nice to know it's there.
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Swine Flu Travel Information
by Ed Perkins
You've heard plenty on how to prevent the spread of flu but how do you avert rebooking fees for your Mexico trip? Ed Perkins tells you how.
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Can I Rebook If the Price of My Flight Drops?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Is it possible to rebook tickets if the price drops after you buy? Well, the answer is yes—with a few caveats.
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What Happens If I Need to Cancel My Non-Refundable Ticket?
by Jessica Labrencis, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Non-refundable tickets are the cheapest option for budget travelers, but what happens if you must cancel? Find out if you can get a refund, or if you'll forfeit the cost of the ticket entirely.
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On-Time Performance Improved in February
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Unless you were flying to New York, that is. But overall, 80 percent of flights arrived on time and several carriers were significantly more punctual.
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Survey Results: Readers Prefer Customer Service by Phone
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
When United announced it would shut down its customer service phone line, we asked you what you thought. Your response? Don't hang up just yet. Plus, tips for effective complaints.
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JetBlue Will Refund Tickets to Laid-Off Customers
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
JetBlue customers who book flights between February 1 and June 1 and are laid off on or after February 17 can receive a full refund from the airline.
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What to Do if Bad Weather Cancels Your Flight
by Ed Perkins
Miserable winter weather left holiday travelers delayed or stranded at airports from coast to coast. What are your rights when your flight is canceled or delayed?
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How Were Your Holiday Travels?
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
Nasty weather snarled traffic across the country, notably in Chicago. Were your travel plans affected? Share your story.
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Be Prepared for Christmas Travel
by Carl Unger, SmarterTravel.com Staff
All together now: It's the most won-der-ful time of the year! Right? With foul weather heading in, maybe not, even with fewer people expected to travel this Christmas.
