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Travel News for the Week of November 3

By November 3, 2024Blog

Hi Everyone,

One of the biggest things that happened in the world of travel this week was the announcement from the US Department of Transportation requiring airlines to be proactive with refunds for delayed and canceled flights.

The new rules state that airlines are required to provide automatic refunds for canceled or “significantly delayed” flights. The refunds are supposed to be automatic so consumers will no longer have to call the airlines and argue their case. “Passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept the significantly changed flight, rebook on an alternate flight, or alternative compensation. ” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that airlines are officially required to provide automatic refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant delays.   Significant delays would be more than three hours on domestic flights and six hours on international flights.

The new regulation also applies to refunds of checked bag fees if the bag is not delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15-30 hours for international flights.  There is also a rule that passengers are entitled to any fees paid for an extra service such as WiFi, seat selection, or in-flight entertainment.

In other news, Spirit Airlines is still trying to cut as much as possible. The ultra-low-cost carrier has been forced to furlough about 300 pilots to save even more money.  This is in addition to the 23 planes they were selling  that I reported in a previous blog.

Venice, Italy was one of the first cities in Europe to introduce an entrance fee.  Apparently, it worked pretty well because next year the fee will double to 10 Euro if visitors arrive last minute.  Travelers who book in advance  (at least 4 days before arrival) will continue to pay 5Euro.   This fee is only for day people.  If you have hotel reservations this does not apply. The fee will be in effect over 54 days from April 18-July 27.

2025-26  Tours and Sailings

May 3-11,  2025  Paris and Normandy River Cruise.   This cruise will begin and end in Paris.   Cruise from Paris through Normandy’s countryside, uncovering its many charms: Chateau de La Roche-Guyon, the medieval capital of Rouen, Monet’s beloved home in Giverny and the famed Normandy beaches.  Experience a different side of Northern France’s history with a tour of the majestic palace of Versailles, once home to Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.   Uniworld River Cruise.  Call for wait list info.    Uniworld

May 30-June 7, 2025 Columbia & Snake Rivers   Board your river cruise ship in Portland, Oregon and cruise to  Clarkston, Idaho on a 9 day, 8night  journey.  On your journey you will  visit Ft. Clapstop, Mt St. Helens,  Cross the “Bridge of the Gods” and admire Nulnomah Falls. You’ll end your cruise in Clarkston to fly home from Lewiston Idaho.- American Cruise Lines  

September 5-16, 2025  America’s National Parks. This is a repeat of one we’ve done before but it is one of my favorites.  We will tour  Salt Lake City, the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Mt. Rushmore among other places.  Ready for deposit now. Email me for a brochure.   Collette

September26-October 8, 2025. Peaks of Europe: The Alps to The Dolomites featuring France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein.     Postcard-perfect vistas and storybook villages. Rolling hills and the crisp scent of fresh mountain air. There is nothing in this world quite like the Alps. You’re on your way to explore Europe’s iconic peaks and valleys on an invigorating journey through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. , 2025.   This trip is full. If you would like to get on a wait list, please contact me.

Coming: April , 2026  Tulips and Windmills River Cruise  From the canals of Amsterdam to the belfry of Bruges, you’ll discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium. Stroll through colorful acres of tulips at Keukenhof Gardens to get a sense of the Netherlands’ extraordinary connection to these blooms. Wander through the picture-perfect villages of Veere, Hoorn and Enkhuizen, and the enchanting outdoor Zuiderzee Museum and much more.  Deposit now.

 May 20, 2026.  Empires of the Mediterranean. 

Join us on this spectacular cruise with Viking Cruises.  This 10 day, 9 night cruise will cruise the Adriatic and Aegean taking in all the riches of this fables region.  On an exploration bookended by Venice and Athens, discover the ancient ruins of Olympia, and the Acropolis. Explore the medieval warrens of Zadar, Dubrovnik, and Kotor. Delight in the beauty of Corfu and for the first time, Viking will take us to Koper for an in-depth exploration of picturesque Slovenia.   Deposit now.

Coming September, 2026.  Sicily and Southern Italy.   It isn’t  time to book, but contact me to get on the interest list.

Have a great week!

Lynn

Fuller Travel Service hours:  9am-6pm Monday-Saturday.  Closed on Sunday.

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