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.
On the Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the Department of Transportation is asking for your input as they create new rules for Emotional Support Animals on airplanes, United Airlines says window shades up for take-off and landing, and we tell you about a Canadian hotel chain with free midday getaway rates on Valentine's Day. The Corona Virus is on the minds of many travelers. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark and guest co-host Gwen Duncan, herself a Travel Advisor, talk about cancellation realities and strategies for situations just like this one. The second half of our show features our annual Super Bowl Sunday Travel Quiz. Call in and answer a few questions and win yourself some free food from Chili's.
On the Sunday, January 26th, 2020 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, a new bill in Congress might mean another step towards the end of resort/destination fees at hotels; and Chinese travelers have stopped coming. What does that mean for the businesses who catered to them? Once a year we dedicate a program to interviews gathered at the New York Times Travel Show. With an attendance of over 30,000 in three days, it is the largest show for travelers in the country. We have seven live reports.
Mark loves travel gadgets, and he talks with a company which allows you to create your own suitcase, and another with an airplane comfort “mat” which might actually help with those miserable coach airline seats. We take you to Plymouth, MA, to talk about the 400th anniversary of the landing of the pilgrims; it’s off to Poland for a culinary tour; to Gander, Newfoundland - the town found in the popular musical “Come From Away;” and you get to go with us on a safari in Africa.