Travel Week in Review – September 8th, 2023

American Airlines is facing the largest-ever fine for keeping passengers waiting on board airplanes during hours-long delays. The Department of Transportation is levying the $4.1 million fine, “the largest civil penalty that the Department has ever assessed” it said in a statement, for lengthy tarmac delays of 43 flights that impacted more than 5,800 passengers. The flights occurred between 2018 and 2023. In the longest of the delays, passengers sat aboard a plane in Texas in August 2020 for six hours… Read More…

A study from the US Travel Association found that 768 million vacation days went unused back in 2018, and more recent data shows that the average American left 9.5 vacations days on the table in 2021. While it may just seem like a few extra days at your desk here and there, consequences can creep up on you over time. “Not taking time off from work to go on vacation or simply rest can lead to overwork and burnout,” says Joyce Marter. Read More…

You’ve got your carry-on bag ready to go, your bag checked, and your boarding pass in hand. It’s time to catch a flight. But do you now what you shouldn’t forget to pack? Manners. Even onboard an aircraft at 30,000 feet, etiquette is important. Are you committing any of these airplane etiquette faux pas, or are you a master of the rules as a frequent flyer? Avoid the PJs and Wear Real Pants, Please. Read More…

I know, I know — those Instagram photos your friends and colleagues have been posting from Mykonos all summer have created some serious fear of missing out. But trust me when I say that many of Europe’s most desirable destinations are actually much more pleasant in the fall. After a series of sweltering heat waves spread across southern Europe this summer, autumn will bring some relief as the temperature drops. In the fall, you rarely have to jostle past hordes of tourists. Read More…

The record-high airfares of summers past may be behind us as experts report domestic airfare for travel this fall is down 29% from its summer peak and the average ticket prices for international travel have fallen as low as 40% below average for some destinations. Domestic airfare is down an average of $87 per ticket for the fall compared to June, July, August, Haley Berg, economist at Hopper, told ABC News, pointing to a boom in int’l travel. Read More…