Great News! Marriott plans to disclose resort fees in the total price it displays on websites

Although not as good as dropping resort fees altogether, this move is very positive as it takes resort fees ($25 to $75) and makes them transparent at the time of booking.  This move comes almost two years after the state of Pennsylvania lawsuit was settled. If this indeed comes to pass, the consumer should be able to finally compare an apple to an apple as far as hotel pricing is concerned when making a reservation. This is fantastic news, CLICK HERE to read more.  

USDOT threatens airlines with new rules requiring compensation for delayed flights – The Biden administration announced last week that they plan to have the U.S. Department of Transportation write new rules requiring airlines to compensate passengers for long delays if the airline caused the delays. If implemented, this might mirror something that was done in Europe several years ago with penalties of up to $600 per person. Currently, many carriers provide meals and hotels for delays but have stayed clear of making cash compensations for delays. Most airlines try to offer free ticket vouchers or frequent flyer miles instead of cash. CLICK HERE to read more.

U.S. finally ending vaccine requirement this week for inbound tourists – The Biden administration is scheduled to officially end the COVID public health emergency after May 11. Along with that will be the end of the COVID vaccine requirement for all inbound international travelers to the U.S. Obviously, this is great news for the traveling public as it reduces millions of dollars of costs and makes coming to the U.S. for a vacation much easier.

Most of the major airlines are cutting domestic flights for this summer even as travel is going bonkers – It turns out that the FAA is short almost 10% staff, so the major airlines have all reduced summer schedules to prevent a meltdown. The good news is that many airlines are replacing smaller 50-passenger aircraft with 70-seaters and many regional jets with larger aircraft. This means fewer flights on larger aircraft. And while domestic flights are shrinking, international flights to Europe and beyond have grown dramatically. Keep your fingers crossed that things go smoothly this summer.

Is over-tourism about to slap us in the face? – With so many people traveling this year, some of the key hot spots in Europe are looking at ways to prevent congestion and overcrowding. Even small towns like Portofino, Italy, along the Italian Riviera, which has just 400 residents, are overwhelmed by 10,000 tourists a day during the summer. They have implemented no-waiting zones that charge a $300 fine if you hang around the quay for too long. Even Venice is looking at charging an admission fee that allows tourists a pre-set time to be in the city. My recommendation to travelers is to look at visiting Europe during the shoulder season after October 15. This way, you get great prices, smaller crowds, and great weather. CLICK HERE to read more.

Can you imagine that a plane can offer 14 different seat types and prices– If you thought airfares were confusing before, imagine this fall when German airline Lufthansa rolls out its new wide-body interiors. They will have 7 business class types of seats plus premium economy and four distinct economy cabin products. Add to that next year will be 2 first-class suite options. Can you imagine how confusing this will be to the average flyer who only remembers the good old days of coach seats and first-class seats? Why do the airlines continue to add complexity to a system that already makes no sense to most people?