travel scams Page 2

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, December 9th edition of The Travel Guys: In the Travel News, a woman is suing Hilton Hotels for $100 million dollars after she says an employee video-taped her in the shower and tried to extort money from her. The fear is there may be more videos and more victims. Southwest Airlines is inching closer to service to Hawaii. Mainland employees who have volunteered for Hawaii jobs have been told to report to Honolulu by the second week of January. From southern California comes word of two sisters/nuns who used the school treasury to support a half million in travel and gambling habits. A level two travel advisory has been issued for Spain. Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Remember if you are traveling to a foreign country to enroll in the S.T.E.P. program. Gwen Duncan shares some of her biggest frustrations as a travel counselor. They include people who don't get the same name, exactly the same name, on their license and passport; those who don't realize a passport has to be valid for six months after your return date; and finally, the importance of having a signed letter of permission when you are traveling with a minor child who isn't your own, or might be a step-child or a child who was adopted. Check the links below for more information. Michelle Couch Friedman from Elliott Advocacy ( Michelle Couch Friedman from Elliott Advocacy ( www.elliott.org) told us about a smoking fee scheme found right here at the Extended Stay property in Rancho Cordova. A guest was charged $150 for smoking. Except he doesn't smoke. On closer examination when contesting the fee, it was discovered that the hotel charged the smoking fee the day BEFORE the guest checked in. Wow. Scam. Double scam. Extended Stay Rancho Cordova, 10721 White Rock Road is the hotel is question.

This Sunday, November 26th, on The Travel Guys: In the Travel News, Mark has details on In the Travel News, Mark has details on an airline and a cruise line that have financial issues. One is out of business, the other probably worthy of a closer look before selecting a cruise. Mark has all the details. Gwen Duncan has a feature on Travel Scams, the kind of scams that happen to you live, on the street. Things you need to be aware of, especially when you are in a foreign land. We are joined live, in studio, by Sid Hana, TSA Federal Security Director; and Dale Keller, Assistant Federal Director for Screening Procedures. If you have a question about airport screening or security, give us a call at 916-921-1530 or 800-821-1530.