Would airline CEOs also cut their pay to $1 for a bailout?
The CEOs of the big three automakers have promised to cut their salaries to $1 if they get a government bailout. If the plan works, will the airlines try it the next time they plead with the taxpayers for a rescue?
Accidentally charged an extra day for my car?
When Larry Chan returns his Hertz rental car late, he doesn’t expect the $66 charge that he finds two weeks later on his credit card bill. But there it is: an extra day’s rental charge. What now? Should he appeal the decision? And what about the reason he was late in the first place — is that relevant at all?
Is momentum building to re-regulate U.S. airlines?
Mention the words “regulate” and “airline” in the same sentence just a few months ago, and you would have been dismissed as either naive, or a socialist - or both. Not any longer.
Oil is trading at $48 a barrel, but fuel surcharges and fees remain
What’s wrong with this picture? Oil just broke through the $50 barrel-mark, with December crude futures trading between $48 and $49 a barrel at this hour. Yet many airline fuel surcharges and and fees remain.
US Airways reverses course on mileage changes but sticks to fees
US Airways today is expected to reverse course on a number of unpopular changes it recently made to its Dividend Miles frequent flier program. But the airline remains committed to so-called “a la carte” fees for which it has been criticized by passengers.
Is my lost ticket a lost cause?
Virgin Atlantic promises Jerry Levine it will send him a paper ticket for his flight from San Francisco to Johannesburg. But when it doesn’t, the airline is less than helpful in tracking it down. Is his lost ticket a lost cause? And what should he do now?
Why do airlines love Bush plan to reduce holiday delays, improve customer service?
President Bush just announced measures that will improve holiday air travel, requiring airlines to provide greater compensation for lost bags and imposing “tougher penalties” when airlines fail to notify travelers of hidden fees. So what’s wrong with it?
Delta reverses controversial ‘Coach Choice’ decision — but only for elites
When Delta Air Lines adopted the controversial Coach Choice program from Northwest Airlines, which it recently acquired, it angered many of its customers. Under the new program, Delta Medallion members would have to pay to “upgrade” to better coach class seats, such as exit row and aisle seats.
Unfair fares: 5 secrets for avoiding the bait-and-switch
Andy Daniel thought he had found a terrific airfare from San Francisco to Miami for Christmas. Instead, he found a terrific disappointment. When Daniel tried to book a $400 ticket advertised on Expedia, the price suddenly more than doubled.
Why corporate denials are hurting air travelers
No industry is as accomplished at the art of denial as travel. Two recent examples — one from government, and one from an airline — come to mind. Neither statement is particularly compelling, but both could add to our collective travel misery in coming months.