Tag: Department of Transportation

On the Saturday, September 14th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, numbers show that the Taylor Swift tour of Europe moved the economic needle MORE than the Paris Olympics, and we explain how ONE bag of dropped Cheetos dramatically impacted Carlsbad Cavern National Park. Avis Car Rental says they were recently hacked, with everything from addresses and phone numbers, to social security credit card numbers exposed. Is it really safe to be giving your personal info to travel companies (among others)? What guarantee do we have that they are really protecting that information? The Department of Transportation is FINALLY going to open an investigation of Airline Frequent Flyer programs. Will they hold the airlines to some sort of standards? Chris Elliott joins us to discuss. Travel Gal Sydney is on hand to talk about her favorite subject, River Cruising. She has some tips on cruising, plus a deal on a European River adventure you might want to check out.

On the Saturday, November 11th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, United Airlines redesigns its frequent flyer program to put a heavier premium on the use of their credit cards, following American and Delta into the “we don’t care if you fly on our planes, as long as you use our credit cards” tunnel. Complaints about the airlines to the Department of Transportation (DOT) nearly doubled in the first part of 2023. Is the service from the airlines that bad, are the customers that grouchy or has something changed in the sky? In our Smarter Traveler segment we try and come up with the answer. The back half of the show features a version of “What’s Goin’ On Around Sacramento.” Jack Gallagher stops by to promote his show on December 9th at the B St. Theatre; there’s a really unique music festival at the Green Room Social Club in Placerville after Thanksgiving; and the Transcendence Theatre in Napa/Sonoma has a Broadway Christmas Show for you to attend in December. Sports Leisure Vacations even has a day trip package including brunch and the show (link on this page).

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 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.