Christopher Elliott
Ray LaHood: “We’re in the era of full disclosure”
In part two of their interview with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Christopher Elliott and Charlie Leocha explore the new tarmac-delay restrictions for airlines and pending rules for the disclosure of surcharges, such as baggage fees, that have spread through the airline industry.
Spirit’s Baldanza: “The basis for this new fee was founded in improved customer service”
Earlier this week, Spirit Airlines announced it would begin charging for carry-on luggage. That drew criticism from the Secretary of Transportation, who I interviewed on Wednesday. I wanted to give Ben Baldanza, Spirit’s chief executive, an opportunity to respond — and to explain the rationale behind charging for carry-on bags. Here’s our interview.
LaHood on Spirit’s carry-on baggage fees: “We’re gonna hold the airline’s feet to the fire on this”
Spirit Airlines’ decision to begin charging passengers for carry-on luggage — and lowering some fares to a penny — has caught the attention of the federal government, as many predicted it would. In part one of our exclusive interview with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, we talk about fees, consumer protection and the future of airline service
Prime Travel Protection investigation at crossroads after Vacation Superstore/Best Price Cruises filing
Florida’s campaign to stop unlicensed travel insurance appears to be at a crossroads. State regulators yesterday sent a two-count notice.
Spirit Airlines to charge for carry-on bags
Calling it the “next phase” of unbundling, Spirit Airlines a few hours ago announced that it would begin charging passengers for carry-on luggage. Seriously.
Casino steals page from airline playbook, swaps out resort fee for phone “processing fee”
Back in January, I noted with amusement that Harrah’s had issued a press release saying it does not “impose mandatory resort fees attached to a room reservation.”
Is the TSA inviting someone to leak its new security directive?
Talk about déjà vu. It’s a holiday weekend. The Transportation Security Administration releases a vague new security directive, but it won’t tell us what’s in it. People start talking. Next thing you know, a blogger has published the entire document on his site.
Palm Coast Travel fined $2,500 and placed on probation for selling unauthorized travel insurance
Looks like Palm Coast Travel, the Boca Raton, Fla., agency accused by the state of Florida of selling unauthorized travel insurance, while at the same time trying to sue one of its own customers and me into silence, has quietly negotiated a settlement with insurance regulators.