On the Saturday, March 15th, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, driverless taxis got almost 600 tickets in San Francisco last year; and in the big story this week, Southwest Airlines is changing its long time two bags free policy and charging for baggage starting in late May. When an airline offers a “Lifetime Benefit,” you would think that would be easy to define. Well, United Airlines is changing one of their “lifetime” policies, another reminder that those points and miles you earn do not really belong to you, they belong to the hotel or airline. It’s the topic of our Smarter Traveler segment. We talked with Chris Elliott this week about the controversial tariffs the president is proposing and how they might impact international travelers. He also weighs in on the Southwest changes and a new book he has written, The Unauthorized Travel Manual: Secrets For a Smarter Trip From a Nationally Syndicated Columnist and Consumer Advocate. We also took calls from listeners on the Southwest changes.
On the Saturday, March 8th, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest makes massive cuts to earnings in its frequent flyer program (more on that subject later in the program); and a United airlines employee is busted in a huge bribery and payola scheme at the Newark Airport. The Smarter Traveler segment of the program addresses the value of taking the "first flight out in the morning." There are ups and downs of getting up before the chickens, and the guys explain why rising early is probably a smart move. Palm Springs is a popular destination for travelers from our area, and Mark shares a host of opinions on restaurants and attractions, plus tells you one hotel you might want to place on your "do not stay" list. Reward and loyalty programs for hotel chains and airlines are big business. But recently, the changes in the number of points needed for rooms and air tickets has been changing, and not in the favor of the traveler. Now Southwest is cutting the number of points you earn in its Rapid Rewards program on its most popular tickets. We'll update you on the state of rewards programs.
On the Saturday, March 1st, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, everyone on board survived the Delta crash in Toronto this past week, and we discuss a couple of important aspects of the accident (the great job the flight attendants did getting everyone off an upside down airplane, and our amazement that people were dragging carry-on luggage through the snow - just before jet fuel re-ignited). Plus our Sacramento airport, known for its unique art (think old suitcases piled to the ceiling and a giant rabbit) is getting some more culture to hang in the new pedestrian walkway. Your middle name. It can be an issue when you travel. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about where it can be a hindrance or a problem, and what you can do to make sure your middle name doesn't keep you off the plane or the ship, or from getting back into the country. Would you believe you can see the world on $75 a day? Matt Kepnes just updated his best-selling book that tells you how. He has some solid tips for saving $$$ when you are on the road. How to Travel the World on $75 a Day is the name of his book (link is on this page). Mark digs into the mailbag and answers your questions on airport parking, self service travel and when to book your cruise.
On the Saturday, February 22nd, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the airlines make their first effort to overturn one of Joe Biden’s consumer friendly rules; and are Canadians REALLY canceling their US travel plans? Seems to be some disagreement on that subject. One of the hottest topics in travel these days is the Apple AirTag. The device, which helps you locate lost luggage, is in the news again this week, as American becomes the last of the “big three” airlines to use the tags to help locate lost luggage. The Wall Street Journal has ranked America’s airlines, based on their 2024 performance. We have details on who’s on the top and who’s on the bottom - Delta and Allegiant appear to be the biggest winners. Fort Bragg, on the California Coast, is a great discovery for those who love funky places on the ocean. Today, we’ll talk to the general manger of the legendary Skunk Train, and add our own thoughts on one of California’s least known coastal getaway destinations.