Skip to main content

Tag: baggage fees

Control tower

A record 12,000 people apply to be air traffic controllers

On the Saturday, April 25th, 2026 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, is Spirit Airlines going out of business? Perhaps not, if the government can help it. And a record 12,000 people apply to be air traffic controllers. Hyatt becomes the latest hotel brand to massacre their award chart. Your points are going to get you fewer rewards. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we remind you just how the rewards game is played and who makes ALL of the rules. People are consuming less alcohol. So how does a destination like the Napa Valley deal with that? We have an interesting take (or at least we THINK it's an interesting take). The airlines are sending a mixed message. Baggage fees are going up, but overhead bins are getting larger. To check or not to check your bag, that is the question.
Sitka, Alaska

Residents of Sitka, Alaska are about to vote on limiting cruise ship calls

On the Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, residents of Sitka, Alaska are about to vote on limiting cruise ship calls to their small city; and Canadian tourists are not coming over the border, as the numbers already show. Southwest is charging for bags starting in January, but there are a number of hacks around the charge. Our Smarter Traveler segment addresses some of those work-arounds that can save you $$$. Our Travel Gal Sydney Schellinger (owner of The Poodle Booked it!) shares information on the different types of travel insurance. Black as Hell, Strong as Death and Sweet as Love. What could that refer to other than coffee! One of our listeners has written a coffee travel book to tell you where to get the most interesting "cup of Joe."
Pink bag

Government to back plan giving air travelers a baggage fee refund when bags arrive late

On the Sunday, July 4th Independence Day edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the government appears ready to back a plan to give passengers who's bags don't arrive on time a refund of their baggage fees. Why isn't that ALREADY the airlines' policy? Excellent question. Delta airlines is now selling COVID testing kits you can use when returning from international destinations. Travelers United is behind a drive to get the airline issued ticket voucher's shelf life extended. You can sign the petition they will send to Congress at www.travelersunited.com. Mark has been out on the road with groups of travelers the past couple of weeks. He has an update with useful ideas you can incorporate into your travels. Bottom line: Popular places are crowded, try and find a time when fewer people are there. Mark has some help. Lots of Travel Questions come to our mailbag. We answer a number of them from you, including topics like cruise line refund vouchers, what are the up-to-date protocols about distance and masks in the airport, when you might be able to go to Canada, and my favorite topic, why gas is so expensive at the Sacramento Airport.