Tips for Smooth Summer Travels

Summer has only just begun, and plenty of consumers have trips planned for the coming months. Some booking errors, travel delays, and disputes are unavoidable – but by planning and preparing for possible issues in advance, consumers can minimize the risk of their travels being interrupted.

When booking lodging or activities for their vacation, consumers should be wary of fake listings on legitimate websites/platforms. Always research reviews of a hotel, short-term housing rental (like through Airbnb, Vrbo, or HomeToGo), travel service, or tourist activity. This will help consumers identify any complaints and scam reports – and make an informed booking decision.

But lodging and activities aren’t the only opportunities to encounter “bumps in the road” when traveling. Consumers should be aware of what resources are available to them if issues occur with their mode of transportation.

Resources for Traveling by Plane

For example: What will an airline do if they overbooked a flight? What will they provide to consumers affected by a last-minute delay or cancelation? What happens if a consumer’s luggage is lost or damaged? When do airlines owe consumers a refund?

Airline customers have rights protected by federal law and are protected by airlines’ company policies. To learn more about these rights and compare what commitments different airlines have made on a variety of passenger issues, or to file an airline complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation, consumers can visit www.transportation.gov/airconsumer.

Resources for Renting a Vehicle

The number of options available to consumers seeking to rent a vehicle can be overwhelming. Some things to consider: Traditional car rental company vs. car-share platform, cancelation policies, infotainment systems (and how well they protect the private data of drivers who enter their information), extra fees and charges, rental policies, roadside assistance options, insurance.

To help navigate the many considerations that go into this decision, consumers may consider accessing resources like the FTC’s online guide, called ‘Rent a Car’ at consumer.ftc.gov; DATCP’s fact sheet ‘Car Rentals and Collision Damage Waivers’ at datcp.wi.gov; or the BBB’s article on car rental tips, ‘Rent a car and be happy,’ at bbb.org.

Resources for Cruise Trips

Cruises are a popular vacation option, however they also bring unique considerations that can cause frustration – so before embarking, passengers should be aware of the cruise line’s obligations (which vary by line) and their passenger rights. Most cruise lines are members of the Cruise Lines International Association, which has adopted passenger rights including: a refund if a trip is canceled due to mechanical failure, an emergency power source in case of main generator failure, timely updates if an emergency causes an itinerary change, and more.

More information is available from the Federal Maritime Commission’s ‘Cruise Passenger Assistance’ webpage under the ‘Complaints and Assistance’ tab on fmc.gov. Consumers can also file complaints regarding cruise ships with the FMC at complaints@fmc.gov.

· Note: The FMC’s jurisdiction is limited to cruise lines that embark passengers at locations in the U.S. There is no federal agency that regulates cruise customer service issues (like itinerary changes or cabin concerns). Cruises that embark at an international location are not subject to FMC jurisdiction.

Resources for Train and Rail Travels

Trains are a popular alternative to airlines or car trips. They allow for scenic and leisurely rides, comfortable accommodations, and even onboard dining. A long train ride doesn’t have to be simply a form of transportation – it can be part of the vacation itself! Amtrak, the only nationwide passenger rail service, has 10 Customer Service Commitments covering safety, delays, accommodations, and refunds. For customer service issues on Amtrak passenger trains or to request a refund, contact Amtrak Customer Service at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

International Travels

Transit methods in other countries are usually not able to be directly impacted by U.S. government entities. However, the U.S. Department of State offers tips and resources for Americans traveling internationally to help prepare for their trip at travel.state.gov. Some of these tips include:

· International Traveler’s Checklist. 1. Learn about your destination. 2. Join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive alerts and updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. 3. Organize your required travel documents. 4. Review travel basics and personal considerations. 5. Consider buying travel insurance.

Driving and Road Safety. Be aware of local laws and driving culture, scammers selling fake International Driving Permits (accepted as a driver license in most countries), and auto insurance requirements.

· Access to Emergency Information. Learn about what to do if a U.S. citizen loses their passport, is a victim of a crime, or goes missing; disaster preparedness; and U.S. embassy and consulate location and contact info.

· Traveler Insurance. Learn about what types of traveler insurance should be considered (health insurance, medical evacuation insurance in high risk areas, trip cancellation insurance, international auto insurance), how to choose appropriate insurance for a trip’s needs, and what information consumers should bring with them (like necessary documentation & their insurance provider’s help line phone number).

· Resources on issues like lodging safety, travel with pets, studying or volunteering abroad, and more.