On the Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines reached a $140 million dollar settlement over last Christmas' melt down, and there's a way you can get a share. Plus, did the TSA really find bullets wrapped in a diaper at La Guardia Airport? (They did.) Airlines are fiddling around with their frequent flyer programs, raising and lowering requirements to get points, and the number of points you need to redeem the rewards you want. Now the government says its time for these programs to be regulated. Our Smarter Traveler segment takes a closer look. If you show up at airport security with a gun or other contraband, is there a fine, or other penalty? Oh yes, there is. And it's not cheap. Our Odds and Ends segment discusses fines for begin stupid at the airport. What gift card is the most popular with travelers AND offers the best value? We have a list for your last minute gift buying.
On the Saturday, December 16th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we'll explain how Taylor Swift took over the travel industry in 2023, and Carnival Cruise Lines bans two passengers for fishing from the balcony of their room. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk with Scott Johnston and Colm Marmion about how Sacramento International Airport is trying to improve the airport experience over the holidays, and they share some last minute tips in case you find yourself flying from, taking someone to or picking up at the airport this holiday season. Chris Elliott checks in from Chile with some thoughts on his visit to the Galapagos Islands and shares some wisdom on how hotels might be starting to compete on services again. We take you out to Cal Expo, and introduce you to Imaginarium, A lights show and much, much more for family holiday fun.
On the Saturday, December 9th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the TSA is planning to try out self-serve security lanes in Las Vegas early next year, and American and United are balking at a re-do of their Chicago O'Hare Terminals, as the cost has skyrocketed. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a rant by Mark about carry-on bags. Why do they make us gate check so many when often times there is plenty of room on the plane? Mark has a simple solution. European Tour Operator Rick Steves was in town last week to do a presentation at the Crest Theater to benefit Public Television. We sat down with him and talked about a wide variety of travel topics. That interview is at the halfway mark of the podcast. In our odds and ends segment, we offer a fine tuning to our baggage tracker suggestions. In you have one attached to your bag, there's one place you definitely don't want to put it.
On the Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the postponement of a Taylor Swift concert causes an airline to change its rules, and a Southwest pilot who is part of the group asking to strike "warns" flyers about the upcoming holiday season. Renting a car at an airport is an invitation to wasted time and hassle. Mark violated one of his own rental car rules last week and it could end up costing him some $$$. He reminds you what to do before and after your car rental, and throws in an idea for renting that could save you some cash. The Fox River Train has a special family-orientated Christmas package. And their sister train in Willits takes you to see the World's Tallest Christmas Tree. We have details and there's a link in our list. We answered a ton of questions from our mailbag, including TSA renewals, and what to do if your Pre-Check clearance isn't on your boarding pass. We also touched on charging electric cars on the road (again, a couple of links can be found on the right or below) and a host of other subjects.