On the Sunday, August 28th, 2022 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, air travel complaints to the Department of Transportation soar 270% this summer as the airlines struggle to provide a decent level of service; and Southwest Airlines changes its policy regarding upgrading your boarding position. Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on currently popular traveler scams. Bottom line: If someone is asking for your identification or credit card info, open your eyes and pay close attention. Thieves are creative and you have to be alert. Most airlines charge for seat assignments. So when should you pay the "seat ransom," and when can you take your chances? We have a list of six times when you'll want to consider opening your wallet. Sports Leisure Vacations released their annual catalog for 2023 this weekend. The 43-year old Sacramento-based company caters to mature travelers. Visit their web site here.
On the Sunday, August 21st, 2022 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the Bar Harbor, Maine Town Council has decided to limit cruise ship calls in the tiny community, and an AirTag in a piece of luggage leads to the discovery of some major theft from passenger luggage. Have you noticed traditional customer service is disappearing? The travel industry is no exception. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about some alternative ways to get help when you need service, even if traditional paths are blocked. Travelers United is a Washington, DC - based entity which supports consumers against the airlines. Their victories are ours. But nothing happens overnight, as we learn in our conversation with Director Charlie Leocha. Sports Leisure Vacations, a local tour operator, hosts their Tour & Vacation Preview Day next Saturday. Packages for mature travelers are featured. For more information, click here, or call 916-361-2051, 9am-3:30pm, M-F.
On the Sunday, August 14th, 2022 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, some cruise lines are having to cancel cruises because of a shortage of staff, the DOT's plan to make airlines give you refunds turns out to be full of holes and Burning Man is back in the Nevada desert later this month. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Real ID is coming to an airport near you next May. Now would be a great time to start thinking about it. Also, Mark has a warning for those of you thinking about getting one of those travel credit cards with the big points or miles bonus. Clayton Whitehead, one of our Road Reporters, shares some of his travel experiences from the summer. From getting in and out of Canada, to a road trip to the Dakotas and small ship cruising in the Thousand Islands, Clayton talks of travel in COVID times from his first hand experiences.
On the Sunday, August 7th, 2022 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines has welcomed its first mother-daughter pilot team. The Department of Transportation is FINALLY ready to help you get refunds and performance from airlines, but they are putting part of the refund responsibility on the wrong people...travel agents/advisors. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion about "who owns this hotel?" You thought you were staying at a Hilton Hotel. At least that's what it says on the sign. But are you protected by Hilton policies? Maybe not.... A man is sitting in economy on Jet Blue. A first class passenger gives him an eye mask. The flight attendant says, "you can't do that, he's in economy." Yep, it really happened. We have the tape of the conversation. So who is right? In entertainment news, Bruce Springsteen fans are paying up, really up, for some of his upcoming concerts. "Dynamic pricing" is the answer. Or is it? And we have details on Portland's annual Naked Bike Ride.