On the Saturday, April 27th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, we have a double heads up for Swifties heading for Europe for her tour this summer, United Airlines is in hot water over letting passengers into an open door cockpit and we have news on possible changes to seating on Southwest Airlines flights. TSA Pre-Check is a valuable tool for many a road warrior, and even though it's good for five years, ultimately you have to renew your membership. We tell you how and explain Pre-Check to the rookies. None of us like "junk fees," and travelers certainly see more than their fair share. This week brings double good news on that front. A new California law which goes into effect July 1 will eliminate "drip pricing" (where it takes multiples screens to find out the REAL price) and already companies are falling in line to follow the new rules. Plus, the President's office issued two new rules on air travel this week which favor consumers, and force airlines to provide cash refunds instead of vouchers for a variety of offenses. True steps forward. Now we just have to see how the enforcement works. Voices of California is hosting a concert at El Camino High School's Performing Arts Center next weekend. One of their members gave us an update on their Salute to Tony Bennett and a link to tickets can be found on this page. Two Orange County state lawmakers are whining about how the "Clear" lane at the airport allows people to "pay to cut the line." They want to pass a law to do away with the practice. But they forget many companies, Disney and Southwest among them, monetize moving up in line. Mark says the two legislators are way off base.
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On the Saturday, February 10th, 2024 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Boeing's planes are back in the sky, but would you fly on one (hint there have been very few cancellations)? Protesters have blocked the train tracks leading into Machu Pichu in Peru, keeping tourists from visiting. You are considering taking a cruise. Friends and/or family have decided to join you. Sounds wonderful, right? Sounds like a situation that will thrive with some advance planning and open discussion. Mark and Tom talk about how to take a cruise with first-time traveling friends and survive with your relationships intact. All part of our Smarter Traveler segment. The president's war on junk fees has had little impact. He's tackling family seating on planes now, and could potentially have more success. Our odds and ends segment features a story about a group that thinks they have found the remains of Amelia Earhart's plane on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. And Senator Ted Cruz wants more secure airport experiences for lawmakers. Private screenings included. But he may have some alternative reasons for his wish list. We'll discuss Cancun Cruz.
On the Saturday, November 25th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, Guy Fieri announces the first Flavortown Festival, to be held next June 1-2, near the campus of Ohio State University; and those with hearing problems who love the theater, there is a cool new solution for you, the SoundShirt. As the president and others turn up the heat on junk fees charged by hotels, airlines, restaurants and the like, the lobbying firms representing them are working like crazy to preserve the bogus fees. Will consumers or corporations come out on top? Our Smarter Traveler segment updates the situation. What if you signed up for a three-year-long-cruise and at the last minute, it was canceled. Think about the repercussions that could have for some travelers. Will they get their money back? Our Odds & Ends section of the show talks about why wheelchairs and other assistive devices used by travelers get so banged up along the way, and Tijuana gets it's first mainline American air flight.
On the Saturday, October 14th, 2023 edition of The Travel Guys… In the Travel News, the state department gives a travel update for Israel; and our governor signs a bill outlawing junk fees. It takes effect next spring and is good news for travelers. Now will the FTC follow through on a ban for the entire country? In our Smarter Traveler segment - it appears hotels are settling on the answer to the housekeeping dilemma. We aren't sure everyone is going to like the solution. Indeed, the governor has taken a huge step to eliminate junk fees from hotels, restaurants, etc. We break down the new law. Mark has been out on Route 66 this week. He shares some highlights of a journey on The Mother Road