On the Sunday, March 1st, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, airlines and hotels are allowing cancellations to a growing number of international destinations because of the Corona Virus. Check with your airline or hotel for an update. Remember, only selected international destinations are impacted. Alaska and American Airlines are back in bed together again. You can earn miles for one while flying the other, redeem awards, etc. This comes only months after the two airlines announced they were ending their relationship... In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark explains when an airline owes you a hotel room for a canceled flight (hint, the answer isn't what you think), and are ride shares really cheaper than taxis? Evidence seems to point in the opposite direction. The second half of the show is dedicated to a roundtable discussion about the Corona Virus. Travel Advisor Gwen Duncan and Reporter Clayton Whitehead join us for a lively discussion about travel insurance, whether or not it's safe to travel, etc. The phone lines are 916-921-1530 and 800-834-1530 will be open for your calls.
On the Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, there is relief coming on the Real ID situation. You can now complete some of the process online. United Airlines has joined Jet Blue is raising checked bag fees by $5. Expect the other carriers to follow quickly. We also offer an update on the Corona Virus. We found a couple from New Zealand making a living as house sitters. Hear their story and check out the possibilities with the links below. Haunting in the Heartland is a new Travel Channel series which premieres this last week. Tom has the show’s star to talk about the show and his own colorful lifestyle. Mark is in Hawaii traveling with a group, and shares some of his recommendations for accommodations, things to do and places to eat in the islands.
On the Sunday, February 16th, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, there could be an extension to the Real ID deadline coming in October...but only for those who have the TSA Pre-Check designation. We make you a Smarter Traveler by sharing 11 Rules For Not Slowly Growing to Hate Your Traveling Companion, and reminding travelers that premium coach seats on most planes are nothing more than a seat in a preferred location. You get no extra space or amenities, it's just about being in an aisle or window seats or being forward on the aircraft. Steve LaRosa checks in with his latest edition of What's Goin' On in and around Sacramento. All the links to everything Steve mentioned are below. Finally, veteran Travel Journalist and Advocate Ed Perkins joins us to update the situation on the Corona Virus and to talk about the ban in New York State on renewing some Fast Track airport services. The reason appears to be political, and the question is asked if California could also be in the crosshairs?
On the Sunday, February 9th, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Marriott, in two separate moves, cuts the value of your Bonvoy points pretty significantly. Between the new "peak/non-peak" award chart, and the "annual realignment" of awards for individual properties, considerable value has been lost for some. Cruise ships are scrambling to respond to the Coronavirus, dropping planned stops in China, refusing Chinese passengers and even getting stuck in quarantine. Plus, Disney will open a Star Wars Hotel in 2021! Our Smarter Traveler segment features ways you can ditch single use plastics while you are traveling; and we talk about how major credit cards are quietly removing many of the travel-related benefits you used to get with your annual fees. We share the 2020 Elliott Customer Service Awards, as voted by the readers of Elliott.org, regular Travel Guys contributors Chris Elliott's consumer advocacy website. We close the program visiting with Anna Harris. Anna is a lady with a mission, a mission to improve life for some people she has met in her travels. It's a most unique story.