I'm researching a story about how travel companies try to manipulate customers by adjusting their environment. For example, an airline might crank up the air conditioning to sell more blankets. A hotel might pump signature scents into a lobby to improve gift shop sales or restaurant orders. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced, or suspects they've experienced, this kind of manipulation. Where were you traveling? What happened? And did you ultimately buy that extra blanket? From travel marketers and experts, I'm interested in hearing about some of the new ways airlines, hotels and car rental companies are prodding their customers to buy more. (Like pushing a points-earning credit card, and the possibility of an upgrade, to the folks sitting in the small economy class seats.) Are customers aware of these tactics? Are they legal? How can you spot a manipulation and possibly avoid one?

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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.

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