Trending Travel News
Complaints Grow for Online Travel Agencies
Travel consumers who used Online Travel Agencies, such as Expedia or Priceline, to book their travel within the last year, are finding it difficult to obtain refunds for their cancelled trips.
Between January and December of 2020, Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) racked up 14,604 complaints. 94% of these complaints were about refunds, fare adjustments or bankruptcy.
Receiving the most complaints of the year was Expedia, who also faced a class-action lawsuit for refusing refunds for flights with covid-related cancellations.
The Department of Transportation took in 102,550 complaints against airlines, travel agencies and tour operators in 2020, which is a 500% increase from the previous year.
This perhaps demonstrates just how important it is to use a travel advisor, especially now. Over the past year, travel advisors, especially your experts at National Travel, spent hours in research and on the phone to secure refunds for their clients.
Online Travel Agencies are often convenient and quick to use, but they do not advocate on your behalf. When you book with an agency like National Travel, you have us in your corner. Whether it’s a cancelled trip, a flight delay, or maybe just a question, National Travel’s experts are available 24/7 to exceed your expectations.
National Travel has a history of over 40 years in providing exceptional service to travel clients around the world, and has been ranked among the “Top 25 Travel Management Companies in the United States” by Business Travel News. When you book with a National Travel Travel Advisor, you have an expert and an advocate.
Click here to read more from Travel Market Report
Airline Industry Responds to CDC Guidelines
The CDC says fully vaccinated individuals can now gather without masks, but they are not yet endorsing travel for vaccinated travelers. The CDC defends the decision, stating that travel has led to an increase in cases and they do not yet know if vaccinated individuals can still transmit the virus.
The travel industry has pushed back on this, insisting that air travel is safe. Airlines for America is confident that a layered approach of mask-wearing, and heavily-filtered air onboard a plane, helps to present a low risk for the spread of the virus. In fact, a study from earlier this year found that plane travel may be safer than many daily activities such as grocery shopping or dining out.
Airline Updates
Lufthansa Retires Superjumbos
As a part of their COVID-19 fleet restructuring, the airline will retire its Superjumbos for smaller, more efficient aircrafts.
Three New Routes for Southwest
New destinations include Myrtle Beach, SC; Eugene, OR; and Bellingham, WA.
New Utah-based Airline Approved
From the founder of JetBlue, Breeze Airways aims to begin selling tickets within a month.
When does my airline credit expire?
Depending on when you booked your trip, your airline travel credit may expire soon. The major airlines in the U.S. extended their ticket validity last year for customers impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, but many are approaching the end of that extension.
Which seat is best?
Do you prefer the view from the window or the freedom of the aisle?
A flight attendant recently shared her analysis and breakdown of economy-class seating, revealing the most optimal seats for flying on a budget.
Fun Fact:
Over 50% of National Travel Agents prefer a window seat!
Now Open in Travel
Safest Destinations in the U.S.
If you’re not ready to venture out on an international trip, you might check out these top safest destinations in the US!
Give us a call today to book your next trip to one of these destinations!
| Did you know? |
Hot Springs, Arkansas is home to the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The celebrations takes place on the World’s Shortest Street in Everyday Use. Events include a Blarney Stone-kissing contest and a King and Queen chosen by a secret committee!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from National Travel! |
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Reminder!!
Don’t forget to give us a call at least three days prior to your trip and request your complimentary Smart Travel Kit!
