The Department of Transportation yesterday claimed to be a leader in the administration’s open government initiative, which is supposed to transform the federal bureaucracy into a “transparent, collaborative, and participatory government” that touches the lives of citizens.

While it’s not there yet, I think — I hope — it’s well on its way.

I’ve already raved about DOTs new complaint site for air travelers, and some of the encouraging responses readers have reported from using the page. I’m not entirely sure if that’s what the DOT means by openness. The department has a section on its site dedicated to its open government project, and it describes its efforts in ways only a bureaucrat can fully appreciate:

The Department of Transportation’s Open Government Plan development process follows a strategic methodology designed to guarantee the creation of meaningful programs that will fulfill the Administration’s stated goals of increasing transparency, participation, and collaboration between the Federal government and citizens.

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Only a few weeks ago, Palm Coast Travel, one of three large travel agencies the state of Florida last year alleged had sold unlicensed insurance, seemed to have everything going for it.

The state’s investigation into its activities appeared to have hit a dead end. The company, which runs the site Smartcruiser.com, had sued one of its customers and me in an effort to silence its critics. And it was issuing press releases at a regular clip, touting its Better Business Bureau rating and obsession with customer service.

But late last week, in an unexpected twist, Florida regulators filed an amended notice of intent to issue a cease and desist order (PDF) with more detailed charges against Lake Worth, Fla.-based Smolinski and Associates, Inc., which, in addition to doing business as Palm Coast Travel and Smartcruiser.com, also operates under the names Smart Travel Group, Smart Cruiser Holdings and Tripsmart. Any way you read the latest claims, it’s clear that Florida’s Department of Financial Services has no intention of letting this case fade away. (Here’s the first notice, for comparison purposes.)
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What’s new on Elliott: Accidental tourists, when travel companies sue you and an apology to sharks who practice bondage

Are you an accidental tourist? Plus, when travel companies sue and an Australia tour that wasn’t meant to be.

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A sincere apology to the sadomasochistic sharks who practice bondage

Now there’s a headline I never thought I’d write. In one short week, it seems I’ve offended sadomasochists and great white sharks with my commentary. I feel an apology is in order.

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Hotel fees that must die — and how to kill them

Resort fees. Mandatory tips. Concierge surcharges. If you’ve stayed at a hotel in the last few years, you’ve become accustomed — if not anesthetized — to these annoying extras. You expect them. You’re indifferent to them when they appear on your bill. You shouldn’t be.

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When travel companies sue their customers

When a young woman named Carissa knocked at my door on a recent Saturday evening and introduced herself as a process server, I knew things were about to get interesting. And when I read the civil action summons she handed me, I was intrigued.

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An Australia tour that wasn’t meant to be

First her flight is canceled. Then she misses another flight after her bus breaks down. Finally, Rebecca Canter decides to cancel her Australia tour. But her tour operator refuses her request for a refund. Can it do that?

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Should British Airways follow its own ticket rules? It’s not brain surgery — oh wait, it is brain surgery

If you’re holding a nonrefundable airline ticket, the rules are clear: You can get credit, valid for a year from the date of your booking, by informing the airline before your trip. That’s what British Airways’ ticket rules say.

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What’s new on Elliott: Ticket rules and brain surgery, wrong car rental bill and trouble with the TSA in Orlando

Are ticket changes harder than brain surgery? Plus, Enterprise sends someone the wrong bill and Delta waives a fee (yes, this is news).

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Oops! Enterprise Rent-A-Car sends customer the wrong bill

Here’s a problem that would seem easy to fix on paper, but is much more difficult in practice: Last summer, Anthony Buono began getting bills from Enterprise for toll violations. Bills he didn’t recognize. And for good reason — they weren’t his.

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What the heck is going on with the TSA in Orlando?

Maybe there’s something in the water in Orlando, but the Transportation Security Administration just can’t stay out of the news there.

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Passenger “blown away” after Delta Air Lines waives $30 mileage transfer fee

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at this story. In the olden days — before “no waivers, no favors” — fees were routinely overlooked by helpful ticket agents. But in the era of ancillary revenues, where airline employees are evaluated based on the amount of money they collect from passengers, even a few dollars can be cause for celebration.

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“I am fearful I will lose the money we worked so hard to save”

Michele Keller was all set to take a dream vacation to the Dominican Republic through Apple Vacations last year, when her significant other fell ill. After he took an unexpected turn for the worse, she learned that the insurance on her vacation didn’t cover her the way she though it would. Now she’s holding a voucher for a vacation she’s never likely to use.

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What’s new on Elliott: Boosting your online power, fare errors, are travel clubs worth the money?

How to boost your online power when you travel. Plus, tips for avoiding fare errors and are travel clubs worth the money?

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Is Spirit Airlines’ $9 Fare Club worth the money? Can I get my money back if it isn’t?

I take a dim view of travel clubs that charge an annual fee for access to special prices. Typically, these schemes only benefit the company offering them. But is Spirit Airlines’ $9 Fare Club in the same category?

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