When most people hear “ government shutdown ,” they think about politics in Washington, D.C. But what many travelers don’t realize is that these shutdowns can spill over into airports across the country—and your vacation plans may be directly impacted. TSA officers and air traffic controllers are considered essential employees, which means they still have to show up for work even when paychecks are delayed. That reality often leads to staffing shortages, longer security lines

America is Behind on Passenger Rights — and Travelers Deserve Better As someone who helps families travel confidently and stress-free, I’m deeply disappointed . The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) had proposed a groundbreaking rule that would have required airlines to compensate travelers when delays or cancellations were the airline’s fault . This rule never went into effect —and now, it’s been taken off the table entirely . For families who’ve struggled through end

Hawaii has always been one of those dream destinations that feels like a once-in-a-lifetime trip. But in recent years, booking a vacation rental in Hawaii has become more complicated than most travelers realize —and if you’re not careful, your dream stay could be canceled at the last minute. Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. My Oahu Airbnb Was Canceled 5 Days Before Our Trip Five days before our family trip to Oahu, my Airbnb host messaged me to say they were cancel

Know Your Rights: What Is UK261 and How Does It Protect You? If you're flying to or from the United Kingdom, there's a little-known rule that could get you up to £520 when your flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked—and most airlines won't tell you about it unless you ask. It’s called UK261 , and if you're planning international travel, this regulation is a must-know. What Is UK261? UK261 is the United Kingdom’s passenger protection regulation that mirrors the European

Stress-Free Travel Guide @ chasingmemories.co Welcome Hi, I’m Lisa! I created this guide to help you take the stress out of travel—whether you're a seasoned explorer or planning your very first trip. I believe travel should be joyful, empowering, and (yes!) manageable. Let’s make your next trip smooth, safe, and full of memories. Top Stress-Free Travel Tips ✅ Prep your documents in advance: passport, visa, insurance, and backup copies. Keep digital and paper copies of all imp

What to do when you suitcase doesn't arrive. Here's a step by step guide for your passenger rights if your luggage is delayed or goes missing. Your plane lands. You wrangle the kids. You make it to baggage claim.But your suitcase? It's nowhere to be found. 😩 Whether it’s lost in transit or just delayed, here’s what you need to know (and do) so you can stop stressing and start chasing memories again. ✈️ First: Know Your Passenger Rights 🧭 For U.S. Flights (Domestic) Under t

What to Do When Your Trip Falls Apart (Because Sometimes It Will) Travel isn't always smooth—and when your flight is delayed, canceled, or your luggage disappears into the abyss, it can feel overwhelming. But knowing your rights and having a clear action plan can turn chaos into calm. Here's your step-by-step guide for handling travel mishaps—divided by Domestic (U.S.) and International Flights . 🛫 DOMESTIC FLIGHTS (WITHIN THE U.S.) ✈️ Flight Delays and Cancellations Your R

Losing a loved one is an emotional and overwhelming experience. The last thing you need is the added stress of figuring out how to book a last-minute flight for a funeral —especially when airline prices skyrocket for same-day and next-day travel. While many airlines have eliminated their bereavement fares , some still offer options that can help reduce costs if you know how to navigate the system. This guide will walk you through your options for securing an affordable emerge

Flight delays and cancellations can turn your travel plans upside down, but if you’re flying in or out of the European Union, you’ve got rights under EU Regulation 261/2004 (commonly referred to as EU261). This regulation ensures that passengers are compensated when airlines fail to meet their obligations for certain disruptions. Here’s everything you need to know about EU261, including how to file a claim and a copy-and-paste email template to get started. What Is EU261? EU

Flying with kids can feel like an Olympic event, especially when you’re managing strollers, car seats, and other baby essentials. Knowing your airline’s baby gear policies can make the journey much smoother. In this post, we break down the stroller and car seat rules for major U.S. airlines, so you’re prepared for stress-free family travel. Use the table below to compare policies, then read on for detailed information about each airline’s baby gear rules. Table: U.S. Airline

Travel disruptions are a reality we all face, but fortunately, the European Union has set up regulations under EU261 to help protect passengers when things go wrong. If your flight has been delayed or canceled, you may be entitled to compensation. Filing for compensation under EU261 doesn’t have to be a daunting process, and in this blog post, I’m going to walk you through the steps to file your own claim and potentially get compensated for your inconvenience. Step 1: Know Yo

Traveling with kids can be stressful enough without the added headache of flight delays. But with the right strategies, tools, and a positive mindset, you can turn delays into manageable—and even memorable—experiences. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know: what your rights are, how to stay updated, ways to entertain your kids , and why travel insurance could save the day. Read on for essential tips and highly actionable advice that will make your next dela

The upcoming Finnair pilot strikes scheduled for December 9th and 13th, 2024 , have led to the cancellation of around 300 flights. While these disruptions are understandably frustrating, the good news is that European Union Regulation 261/2004 ( EU261 ) ensures you have strong passenger rights in situations like this. Whether your flight has been canceled with plenty of notice or is affected closer to your travel date, this guide will help you understand your rights and how

Missing a flight can be stressful, but knowing how to handle it can make a big difference. Whether you miss your first flight or connecting flight , this guide will walk you through the next steps, your passenger rights , and how travel insurance can help you recover costs. Missed First Flight? Here’s What to Do 1. Act Fast: Contact Your Airline Immediately Visit the help desk or call the airline. The sooner they know, the better your options. Some airlines have grace perio

Traveling internationally can be a thrilling experience, but returning to the United States often means facing long lines at customs and border control. Fortunately, the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app offers a free, efficient solution to speed up your re-entry process. Here’s everything you need to know about using the app to enjoy shorter lines and a smoother experience—especially if you're traveling with family! What is the Mobile Passport Control App? The Mobile Passpo

Traveling can be a stressful experience, and it becomes even more frustrating when your checked luggage doesn’t arrive on time. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)  protects passengers by requiring airlines to cover the cost of essential items needed while waiting for delayed luggage. This guide will walk you through your rights, how to get reimbursed, and what to do if your airline gives you pushback. Your Rights Under DOT Regulations According to DOT ru

Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with its share of challenges—one of the most frustrating being flight delays . Whether it's due to bad weather , technical issues , or air traffic control , a delay can throw your travel plans into disarray. However, with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can navigate these hiccups with ease. Here are the top 10 tips to help you manage a delayed flight and make the most out of an inconvenient situation.

If you've ever experienced a flight delay or cancellation while traveling to or from Europe, you may be eligible for compensation under the European Union's EU261 regulation. But how exactly do you file an EU261 claim, and what can you do if the airline denies your request? In this blog post, we'll guide you through the claim process, provide resources for understanding the EU261 regulation, and introduce you to services like AirHelp  that can assist you if you prefer not to

The quick and easy break down of how each airline treats "passengers of size".

Traveling by air can be an exciting adventure, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. Flights get delayed, canceled, or overbooked, leaving passengers frustrated and stranded. But if you’re flying in Europe, you have something on your side: EU 261. This important regulation protects your rights as a passenger, ensuring that airlines treat you fairly when your travel plans are disrupted. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EU 261, so you ca