Silly travel rules we hope will end in 2017
Specifically, look at the fourth bold subject.
Antique, outrageous protectionist laws. Odds of dying in 2017: 5%.
Cabotage laws were created more than a century ago to protect American shipping interests. These archaic rules prevent foreign carriers from offering domestic service and foreign-flagged vessels from making more than one domestic stop before heading out to sea.
"Today, nearly every cruise ship is operated under a foreign flag," explains Tanner Callais, founder of the cruise website Cruzely.com. "That means they can’t pick you up in say, New York, and let you leave the ship permanently in Miami."
With ostensibly pro-business Republicans in control of Congress and the executive branch, it's possible that cabotage could go buh-bye, if not next year, then soon. These obsolete laws don't help consumers, and removing them would significantly increase competition.
Of course the thing that really needs to go away in 2017 isn't an old law or a new policy (although that would be nice), but rather the travel industry's outdated and often consumer-unfriendly loyalty programs.
David Cumpston is fed up with ridiculous points schemes. He just tried to redeem his frequent-flier miles for a "free" British Airways ticket and had to pay an additional $600 in taxes and fees. Then the airline asked for another $95 for a seat reservation. So much for "free."
"There’s no common-sense reason for that," says Cumpston, who works for a marketing agency in San Francisco.
Then again, there's no common-sense reason for any of these rules. They're just there because no has said "enough." Maybe it's time for travelers to say it.
How to get stupid rules reversed
Complain. Companies listen when you speak up, and if they believe enough customers might take their business elsewhere, they'll change their unfriendly policies. Tip: Put your grievance in writing and make sure you receive a written response. If you don't, forward it to an executive to ensure it's viewed promptly.
Let the government know you're unhappy. In travel, two agencies are responsible for the bulk of regulations: the Department of Transportation and the Federal Trade Commission. You can complain to both online, and in writing. Tip: If you want to have a real voice, be on the lookout for proposed rulemakings, where public comments are invited. They'll be taken into account when regulators make a final rule.
Vote with your wallet. The most persuasive way to effect change is to stop doing business with a company. That's difficult with an airline, since we're down to just a few, but far easier with hotels. When there's a resort fee on your bill, tell them you're taking your business elsewhere and never coming back. Then watch what happens to the fee.
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