Listen to the Travel Update in RealAudio.
Can't hear the audio? Get help.
with David Brancaccio
Customer Service?
This week was the deadline for the airlines to have their new, voluntary,
customer service plans up and running ... So, how'd it start? With a price
hike. Business fares rose as much as three percent. Then on Thursday,
American Airlines pleaded guilty to the illegal storage of hazardous waste
on its passenger jets. Apparently, they've been transporting noxious
chemicals and people on the some of the planes for years.
But regardless, there is this new "Customer Service Commitment." And with
it the airlines say they'll tell you ahead of time when a flight's been
canceled, keep you better informed about delays at the gate. Northwest
says they'll even let you get off the plane when it looks like you'll be
stuck on a runway for a while.
Impressed? Paul Hudson is not. He heads the Consumer Aviation Action
Project, a Ralph Nader group.
Hudson: "The vast majority of things in the Customer Service Promises are
either already in their contracts or required by regulation."
But, some airlines are taking extra steps. Delta, for instance, says you'll
get a call when it cancels your flight.
New Rules Affect Air Travel
The F.A.A. says it's going to require child seats for kids under two when
they fly. While it could be a year before the rule comes into effect, the
fact that the littlest travelers will no longer be able to fly free on
their parents' laps could radically change family travel patterns. And the
Department of Transportation this week doubled to $2,500 the minimum amount
airlines must pay for lost, damaged or delayed baggage on domestic flights.
Of course, that change doesn't take effect until after the holidays.
Civil Right Infraction in Florida
The Justice Department has filed suit against luxury hotel chain Adam's
Mark. The Justice Department alleges the chain violated a black
fraternity's civil rights when it singled them out as security risks at a
hotel in Florida.
Venice's Toilet Tax
Venice is one of the top Italian tourist destinations -- over 10 million
visit the town of 70,000 every year. The locals are always looking for a
way to raise money off the invading armies of travelers. What's the latest?
The city is now charging tourists just to use the loo. The new toilet tax
runs about 52 cents per visit to a public rest stop. They're also
considering another new fee -- some want to charge admission to St. Mark's
Square...as much as five bucks a head.
Innovative Airport Concession
And finally, a Dutch company is trying to bring a whole new level of
customer service to Amsterdam's airport. Put it this way: the company is
applying for permission to bring Amsterdam's Red Light district...to the
airport. Schipol Airport is currently being expanded and the innovative
airport concession won't get the formal green-light for the red light until
construction is finished.
Travel Advisory
with Cheryl Glaser
Terrorism Warnings for Y2K Celebrations
The State Department issued a worldwide caution to travelers last weekend,
following the arrest of 13 suspected terrorists in Jordan. But their advice
to "avoid large crowds and gatherings" on New Year's Eve doesn't make sense
if you're planning to party at the Pyramids or the Eiffel Tower.
Neil Livingston's with the security company Global Options. He has more
practical hints for those planning to party big.
Livingston: "Stay on the periphery of the crowd if you're going to be at
the large gatherings. So that if something does happen you'll have
somewhere to run to. You won't be trampled if the crowd stampedes. Be aware
if things seem out of place. Don't call attention to the fact that you're
an American."
Neil's recommending you avoid travel on New Year's Day...just to be on the
safe side of this whole Y2K computer bug. And like we needed to hear this:
the State Department's saying to make back-up plans, just in case things do
get messy.
