I'm researching a story about absent-minded travelers. You've seen them: They leave their luggage in the lobby of the hotel. They slip their laptop computer or phone into the seatback on the plane and walk away. Sometimes, they have no choice -- like when they disembark their cruise ship or check out of their hotel with a tour group, and have to leave their luggage in front of their door. But usually, they're just scatterbrained.
I'm interested in hearing from anyone who recently forgot to pack their common sense, and left their belongings unguarded or did something otherwise absentminded. Where were you and what happened? I'm also interested in hearing from experts on safety. Why are more travelers being absent-minded? Do they have too much on their minds? Is travel becoming too stressful to keep up with all the demands? What can you do to maintain your focus, especially during times when you may be more vulnerable, such as checking in and out of a hotel or boarding a cruise?
The Department of Transportation just dropped a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate U.S. travelers for delayed flights. Behind the scenes, the airline industry is lobbying to undo even more consumer protections — from refund requirements to fee disclosures.
I'm researching a story about which rules are most at risk of being rolled back, and what travelers can do to protect themselves if airlines get their way.
I'm looking for air travelers who’ve already felt the sting of weakened protections. Maybe it was a delayed refund, being forced to accept a credit, or a surprise airline fee. I'm interested in hearing your personal stories about what happens when rules vanish and passengers are left to fend for themselves.
For industry experts, I'd love to know which DOT regulations are most vulnerable. How would repealing these rules affect travelers? And what steps can consumers take now to safeguard themselves?
If you’ve experienced any of this, I'd love to hear your story.