Travel Guys Radio

Listen Now On the Sunday, December 18th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, an update on the exploding aquarium from Berlin; and national parks are tweaking their admission rules for next summer. Airlines charge you to handle your luggage, but if it's not delivered in a timely fashion, the airline keeps your money. Our Smarter Traveler segment lets you know how Travelers United is taking the battle for fairness to the Department...

Listen Now On the Sunday, December 11th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Delta Airlines is returning to Havana, Cuba, starting in April, with flights from Miami; and the REAL ID mandate has been delayed once again. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we have five ways for you to spot an Airbnb scam. Travel Insurance. Should you buy it or pass? There are many companies offering protection, how do you pick the...

Listen Now On the Sunday, December 4th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Air France takes a small step to protect the climate by banning some short local flights where train travel is available; and remember the cat who got into a suitcase and was found by a TSA scan? There's a happy ending to the story. Speaking of scans, TSA is now scanning faces at a dozen airports nationally. The program...

Listen Now On the Sunday, November 27th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, how did a cat get into a suitcase and x-rayed by TSA? Frontier Airlines, never famous for customer service, has eliminated the ability to call them on the phone. Parking at the Sacramento Airport was at a premium on Thanksgiving weekend. Mark and Tom give first-person observations and suggestions on how you can avoid a parking issue over the...

Listen Now On the Sunday, November 20th edition of The Travel Guys…  In The Travel News, Frontier Airlines launches an “all you can fly pass,” and Delta Airlines says free wi-fi for ALL (Sky Miles Members)…but are the airlines really being all that generous? If you are flying this Thanksgiving or Christmas, and are checking bags, we have some important tips/reminders. Like putting your name, phone number and email address both inside and outside your...

Listen Now On the Sunday, November 13th edition of The Travel Guys…  Airlines are adjusting their miles-spend requirements to achieve various status levels BACK to the pre-COVID era days. Bar Harbor, Maine, has voted to limit cruise ship arrivals, the latest small town to do so. Delta Airlines is expecting 5 MILLLION flyers Thanksgiving week. If you are one of them, we wish you the best. Planning a trip to Hawaii? Mark just returned from...

Listen Now On the Sunday, November 6th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Subway is the latest to reward those flying in middle seats and we tell you which major airline is the BEST at LOSING your bag. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion on airline travel credits and a “makes way too much sense” idea from Travelers United about how to make those credits easier to use. Cruise lines are...

Listen Now On the Sunday, October 30th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Holland America rewards a service dog for 700 days of cruising and Virgin America has decided to reward those siting in the middle seat with some great rewards. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark talks about the president addressing junk travel fees this past week. Mark says it's great that the president recognizes that travel suppliers are goosing travelers...

Listen Now On the Sunday, October 23rd edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, the courts have decided American Airlines owes its flyers over $7 million dollars in baggage fees they collected in error, and Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to toughen the rules against people who reserve deck chairs first thing in the morning and don't occupy them until later. For shame. Our Smarter Traveler segment will tell you the best and...

Listen Now On the Sunday, October 16th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, the State Department temporarily has reopened its online passport renewal program (link below) under certain conditions, and in Hawaii, visitor counts have hit a bump and some are concerned. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion on the impact on your airfare, based on the day you fly. Monday, Friday and Sunday are generally higher. Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday lower;...

Listen Now On the Sunday, October 9th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, a Southwest pilot decided to go naked in the cockpit—with a female co-pilot; and Marriott faces a lawsuit over lying to its guests. A local Amtrak traveler got a “roomette” accommodation for an overnight trip, and shared what you should bring along for your comfort. It's part of our Smarter Traveler segment. Comedian Steve Treviño will be appearing at...

Listen Now On the Sunday, October 2nd edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Delta says they are nearly ready to start rolling out FREE wi-fi on all of their mainline flights, and for those who would like to try out an electric car, Hertz and GM are teaming up to add them to the fleet. Hurricane Ian ravaged Florida and other parts of the south last week. We share tips for traveling...

Listen Now On the Sunday, September 25th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Canada has dropped the vaccination requirement to cross the border, and the Phantom of the Opera will take it's final curtain on Broadway in January, 35 years after it premiered. Our Smarter Traveler segment reminds you of the “24 hour rule,” and there's a new ride share scam. It's all about…..vomit. We'll tell you how to protect yourself. We...

Listen Now On the Sunday, September 18th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, a tourism destination rises to the occasion to help immigrants, water restrictions are getting tighter at the Grand Canyon, and the three major cruise lines have a staggering $73 billion dollars in debt – with increasingly high interest payments. In our Smarter Traveler segment, one final warning about buying your holiday air tickets now, along with some tips on...

Listen Now On the Sunday, September 11th edition of The Travel Guys…  In The Travel News, a nut allergy causes a major diversion over the Pacific and we ask if the airlines are cracking down on free, carry-on bags. We used to preach early booking, almost no matter the circumstances. But today, booking early carries a few drawbacks. Nothing you can't watch out for if you know what those drawbacks are. The City of Visalia...

Listen Now On the Sunday, September 4th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Canada is looking at a high speed rail train which can go 600 mph in a vaccum tube; and by now you've heard about the Southwest Airlines passenger who decided to send nude pictures of himself to everyone on his plane. AirTags and other tracking devices are gaining in popularity. Is it time to put one in your bag?...

Listen Now On the Sunday, August 28th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, air travel complaints to the Department of Transportation soar 270% this summer as the airlines struggle to provide a decent level of service; and Southwest Airlines changes its policy regarding upgrading your boarding position. Our Smarter Traveler segment focuses on currently popular traveler scams. Bottom line: If someone is asking for your identification or credit card info, open your...

Listen Now On the Sunday, August 21st edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, the Bar Harbor, Maine Town Council has decided to limit cruise ship calls in the tiny community, and an AirTag in a piece of luggage leads to the discovery of some major theft from passenger luggage. Have you noticed traditional customer service is disappearing? The travel industry is no exception. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about some...

Listen Now On the Sunday, August 14th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, some cruise lines are having to cancel cruises because of a shortage of staff, the DOT's plan to make airlines give you refunds turns out to be full of holes and Burning Man is back in the Nevada desert later this month. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Real ID is coming to an airport near you next May. Now...

Listen Now On the Sunday, August 7th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines has welcomed its first mother-daughter pilot team. The Department of Transportation is FINALLY ready to help you get refunds and performance from airlines, but they are putting part of the refund responsibility on the wrong people…travel agents/advisors. Our Smarter Traveler segment features a discussion about “who owns this hotel?” You thought you were staying at a Hilton...

Listen Now On the Sunday, July 31st edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines makes a policy change regarding flight credits. Effective immediately, they will never expire. Bad news from Graceland, Elvis' home in Memphis. Despite a boost in admissions from the new movie, the attraction is in bankruptcy. Is there a way to leverage social media to help you gain a concession from a travel company? Indeed, some companies pay...

Listen Now On the Sunday, July 24th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, two Alaska pilots have to return their plane to the gate…because they couldn't get along in the cockpit. Delta Airlines is testing FREE Wi-Fi on some aircraft and Hertz climbs another stupidity ladder with a long time customer. When you are on a plane, you might relax a little and not be concerned about your belongings. That would be...

Listen Now On the Sunday, July 17th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, there is a new “Tesla Tunnel” on the Las Vegas Strip, creating an exciting new way to get around in Sin City. Delta Airlines, faced with a canceled overseas flight, decides to fly a plane home from Europe full of lost luggage. Ride share companies have a number of unknown rules regarding charges to riders. Some are pretty secret....

Listen Now On the Sunday, July 10th edition of The Travel Guys…  In The Travel News, both the FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) and the DOT (Department of Transportation) are after the airlines. The FAA says the airlines blaming them for the recent spike in delays and cancellations is a bunch of BS. “There are more flights scheduled than the system can handle…” said a United Airlines spokesperson. The FAA says on July 4th, the FAA...

Listen Now On the Sunday, July 3rd edition of The Travel Guys…  Highlights from The Travel News – It appears Delta Airlines DID offer passengers almost $10,000 to give up their seats on a flight from Grand Rapids to Minneapolis Friday evening; and Holland America is eliminating the proof of vaccination requirement for a limited number of upcoming cruises. In our Smarter Traveler segment, Mark again reminds those traveling this summer to choose non-stop flights...

Listen Now On the Sunday, June 26th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Europe is adding a small visitors fee in 2023, there's an update on Yellowstone and we share info on an upcoming new Broadway musical about the life of Neil Diamond. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we take you on an imaginary shopping trip for airline tickets. Are the ultra-low fare carriers like Spirit and Frontier really cheaper, or does...

Listen Now On the Sunday, Juneteenth 2022 edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Delta Pilots are writing letters to the public, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is calling the airlines on the carpet, and hundreds of flights are getting canceled. What's the average traveler to do? Loyalty programs fostered by credit card companies, airlines, hotels and rental car companies are supposed to benefit consumers. At least that's the way they are presented/touted. Mark...

Listen Now On the Sunday, June 12th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, the requirement to test within 24 hours of returning to the US is making the travel industry ecstatic, with the expectation of increasing international travel in short order. Disney is launching a new cruise ship. Chris Elliott wrote a piece on words to beware of when shopping for a vacation rental, which was the subject of our Smarter Traveler...

Listen Now On the Sunday, June 5th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Broadway and Canada extend their mask requirements, and the cruise industry is leaving some ships at less than capacity. The reason: A shortage of crew. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we discuss the strategy of “taking the longest flight first,” and why that might be to your advantage. The summer travel season unofficially kicked off with Memorial Day weekend....

Listen Now On the Sunday, May 28th, Memorial Day edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, a 29-year old Sacramento woman is sentenced to 15 months in jail after punching a Southwest flight attendant; and travel to Cuba is back on the table in a big way. Insurance for Vacation Rentals – whether you are a renter or a landlord, should you be protecting yourself? It's the subject of our Smarter Traveler segment....

Listen Now On the Sunday, May 22nd edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Canada is about to follow Europe in holding airlines accountable for delays. So why isn't it happening here in our country? Because the airlines have WAYYYY too much power in Washington, DC. Plus, Southwest expands again, this time from Sacramento to Santa Barbara. Service starts June 5th. COVID is becoming an issue again, and that is impacting travel. So...

Listen Now On the Sunday, May 15th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, the small national hotel chain Kimpton, has added dog walking services for guests nationwide. Southwest Airlines is either the best or the worst in the sky, depending on which survey you listen to. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about the importance of “timing” during the busy summer travel season. Airports, hotels, attractions, and especially restaurants are going...

Listen Now On the Sunday, May 8th Mother's Day edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Airbnb is responding to complaints about out-of-control parties at some of its rental properties by expanding a policy that limits renters with bad reviews from certain types of rentals on holiday weekends. Is it ok to ask a fellow traveler if they are vaccinated, or to wear a mask? What happens if you don't get the answer...

Listen Now On the Sunday, April 24th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, we update the mask and vaccination requirements. Believe it or not, they are coming back in some destinations, including a couple of places close to home. Airbnb is changing their COVID-friendly refund policy. We update you in our Smarter Traveler segment; and Mark offers a reminder about the importance of flexibility if you are traveling this summer. We introduce...

Listen Now On the Sunday, April 24th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, United says the FAA is causing huge delays in Newark by ignoring flight limits, and if you are going to Venice, Italy this summer, it's going to cost you a little extra. We make you a Smarter Traveler by sharing information from our friends at Wallet Hub. Which US airline was the best overall last year? Which is the...

Listen Now On the Easter Sunday, April 17th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Spirit Airlines now has both Frontier and Jet Blue as potential merger partners, and if you think inflation is bad at the grocery store, you should see the startling numbers from the travel industry. How can you get into one of those extra leg room seats on the plane for free? We have an idea. Plus, what are...

Listen Now On the Sunday, April 10th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Hertz is buying a bunch of electric cars, Delta is making it easier for families and groups to sit together on the plane, and Alaska Airlines offers an apology for flights canceled because of pilot picketing. Tipping on cruise ships is included on your bill as a “convenience.” But how do you get that convenience adjusted or removed? Our...

Listen Now On the Sunday, April 3rd edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, we are celebrating birthdays. The legendary Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco turned 100 last weekend, and the city of Napa is about to celebrate 175 years. Renting a car has been a challenging proposition recently. It's not going to change anytime soon, as vehicle shortages continue to plague the system. If you are about to rent a car,...

Listen Now On the Sunday, March 27th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Southwest has a new fare category with an interesting set of benefits and we have a list of the ten airports in the country with the worst on time record. The COVID crisis saw an explosion in the number of angry passenger incidents on airplanes. We can only hope they will subside. But what if you are on a...

Listen Now On the Sunday, March 20th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, spring breakers are headed to Florida in record numbers as leisure travel rebounds to pre-COVID levels. Business travel, however, continues to lag. This is a problem for hotels in particular, because business travelers pay higher rates, and spend more in the hotel on food and beverage than leisure travelers. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talked about the importance...

Listen Now On the Sunday, March 13th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Rick Steves, who escorts trips around the planet, has canceled his tours which include stops in Russia for 2022. In fact new statistics show 1/3 of people who were planning to travel to Europe have canceled those plans for now and another 1/3 are reconsidering travel to the continent, all because of the war in Ukraine. Also, the Queen...

Listen Now On the Sunday, March 6th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, TSA says if you can't behave on the plane, there's no reason for your Pre-Check status to remain valid…hint, hint. There is a shortage of airplane mechanics within the industry right now, and it could become a factor in the busy summer season. We remind you to check any travel vouchers you have been issued in the last two...

Listen Now On the Sunday, February 27th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, TSA adds its first international destination – The Bahamas – to the Pre-Check Program, a Sesame Street Theme Park is opening in San Diego, and an alarming number of Hertz renters are having the police show up at their door. In our Smarter Traveler block, we discuss tipping at home vs. tipping abroad. How is it different? Travel Writer...

Listen Now On the Sunday, February 20th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, if you are interested in buying an unfinished cruise ship, Getting Hong Kong, the parent company of “out of business” Crystal Cruises, has one for sale. The Global Dream, is still under construction in a German shipyard. If it is finished, it will hold 9,500 of your closest friends. The federal mask mandate will expire on March 18th. Will...

Listen Now On the Sunday, February 13th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, two big stories dominate the headlines. Frontier and Spirit, two budget airlines who charge you for EVERYTHING a la carte, are planning a merger. Mark says, “great, now two crummy airlines are combined into one.” Crystal Cruises is done pretending they will be back in business on April 30th. Industry insiders say they have fired staff and are folding...

Listen Now On the Sunday, February 6th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Delta Airlines asks the government for help, saying it would be easier and better for all flyers if the government took control of the Do Not Fly list. Speaking of airlines, one has changed its baggage policy in a sneaky way (no surprise there) that could cost you some cash. We'll help you avoid the trap. We'll make you...

Listen Now On the Sunday, January 30th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, we update you on Crystal Cruise Lines' bankruptcy and what's happening as their ships try to finish their final voyages. Are Crystal's cruise passengers getting home or getting stranded? Our Smarter Traveler segment features comments on buying airline miles, and the importance of being aware of COVID cultural differences if you are traveling right here in the USA. Listeners...

Listen Now On the Sunday, January 23rd edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Crystal Cruises cancels sailings as bankruptcy appears near. Cruising right now is a gamble. A gamble that you won't end up in a “COVID Jail.” In our Smarter Traveler segment, we share a horror story or two. Getting COVID on board a ship might be a travel experience you'd want to skip. Surprise fees are appearing on restaurant checks....

Listen Now On the Sunday, January 16th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, Disney, Broadway and Hawaii are among those stepping up their vaccination requirements; and we offer a warning to travelers about “pop-up” COVID testing centers. Clayton Whitehead joins us for our Smarter Traveler segment. Clayton took a group to the theater in San Francisco last week to see the critically acclaimed The Band's Visit. We'll get his observations on what...

Listen Now On the Sunday, January 9th edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, the CDC announced EVERY ship sailing in US waters as of last Wednesday had COVID cases on board. With Sex and The City's reboot on TV, the tour of its hotspots in the Big Apple has also returned. A group of partying Canadians, who whooped it up on the plane on the way to Mexico, find themselves without a...

Listen Now On the Sunday, January 2nd edition of The Travel Guys…  In the Travel News, despite COVID the roads and the skies are crowded over the holidays; and the national parks have released their list of free admission days for 2022. In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about common security steps you can take to keep you and your identity safe while on the road. Nevada is not only close, it's full of...