Travel Rights: Know the Rules of the Road (And the Air) Before You Go! Book

Have you ever wondered exactly what your rights are when your flight is over-booked...baggage lost, damaged or delayed...connection missed...non-refundable ticket unused...tickets lost or stolen...rental car tire flat...hotel room given away...passport stolen?

The answers to these questions aren't easy to find. Who has to pay? What are the compensation limits? Who can you contact? Or, do you just have to take your lumps? Sometimes you have no choice.
-- If your baggage is lost in the United States some airlines will give you cash on the spot, but what if it is lost on an overseas trip?
-- How long does a flight have to be delayed before you get compensation? When doesn't it matter?
-- Where do you need an International Driver's License?

What can U.S. Embassies and Consulates do for you? They can't and won't help everyone. Know what you can ask for.
-- What are the rules for shipping pets?
-- Are there special rules for taking rental cars to Mexico and Canada?
-- How to virtually guarantee you won't get bumped off a flight.
-- How to get free tickets from the airlines.

Library Journal

Savvy travelers may be aware of many of the items in this handy tote-sized guide to what to do when things go wrong on airline or rental car trips, but others might have to learn these lessons the hard way. Leocha (Skiing America, World Leisure, 1997) spells out what can be done when airline luggage gets lost or delayed, a rental car reservation disappears off the computer, or flights are overbooked. Equivocations such as "should," "might," and "possibly" indicate that no hard-and-fast rules exist for every airline, credit card company, or rental car agency. However, this information will serve travelers well, especially when they are facing employees doing their best to protect their company. Highly recommended for all public library collections.--Joseph L. Carlson, Vandenberg AFB Lib., Lompoc, CA