Travel Guys Radio episodes:

• January 20, 2024Southwest is starting to add USB plug-ins to their planes

  Listen Now

  On the Saturday, January 20th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, our former governor is in hot water over a watch he tried to bring into Germany; and Southwest is starting to add USB plug-ins to their planes. (About fr***ing time!)

  Our Smarter Traveler segment tells you how to avoid (and fight back against) ride-share overcharges. And Travelers United tells us about a great new resource for people who travel with assistive devices (canes, walkers, etc.). A link to it is available on this page.

  A former flight attendant offers up a list of 20 items for “Civil Travel” on planes. Some of them are pretty interesting.

  Which airline has the most room in coach in the US? Jet Blue. But who is second is really a surprise. We run down the leg room list for all US carriers.

  Highlights

  Traveler’s United Mobility Friendly Travel Guide

  Reports from on board the 9 month cruise

  Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott

  Is it time to mask up while traveling again?

  Sacramento Airport Parking

  Double check for things you can and can’t bring through security at the airport

  Carry On Bag Size Requirements

  TSA Renewal

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• January 13, 2024A series of storms is making air travel treacherous

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  On the Saturday, January 13th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, an update on when United and Alaska might have their 737-900 jets back in the sky; a series of storms is making air travel treacherous, especially in the middle of the country; and Costco and Southwest have a couple of travel deals, which expire January 14th.

  Our Smarter Traveler segment goes over the small things you can make a part of your routine on the plane that will make you safer in case of a bumpy ride or a missing door.

  We answer your questions from our Mailbag, including info on replacement tickets for canceled flights, sightseeing in Venice, free stopovers in Iceland and bogus car rental charges (again).

  Some of our regular contributors weighed in on what travel looks like in 2024 with a few predictions.

  Highlights

  Reports from on board the 9 month cruise

  Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott

  Is it time to mask up while traveling again?

  Sacramento Airport Parking

  Double check for things you can and can’t bring through security at the airport

  Carry On Bag Size Requirements

  TSA Renewal

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• January 06, 2024Learn which cities are the most dangerous in the country to drive in

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  On the Saturday, January 6th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, we share some breaking news on the grounding of all 737 MAX aircraft after an Alaska Airlines incident. Then, we offer some clues of how 379 people got off that burning Japanese airplane Tuesday. Plus, we tell you the most dangerous cities in the country to drive in. A couple are right here in California.

  When the aircraft door closes, the flight attendant tells you to turn your phone off, or put it in airplane mode. What is airplane mode and what happens if you don’t turn your phone to it? We answer those questions in our Smarter Traveler segment.

  Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott has been traveling around the world for the last five years. So when he tells you his favorite destinations over the past year, it’s bound to be an interesting list. Chris joins us from Santiago, Chile.

  Our Odds and Ends portion of the show talks about lithium batteries in your luggage and why airplanes land on their rear wheels first.

  Highlights

  Consumer Advocate Chris Elliott

  Chris Elliott’s favorites places from 2023

  25 US cities most dangerous for driving

  Check out FAA PackSafe rules

  Is it time to mask up while traveling again?

  Interactive map shows the world’s most dangerous countries to visit with vacationers warned

  Sacramento Airport Parking

  Double check for things you can and can’t bring through security at the airport

  Carry On Bag Size Requirements

  TSA Renewal

  Electric Car Charging Stations

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• December 29, 2023Spirit Airlines put an unaccompanied minor on the wrong flight to Florida

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  On the Saturday, December 30th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, Spirit Airlines put an unaccompanied minor on the wrong flight to Florida, and then made the family drive 160 miles to pick him up. Talk about screwing up and then complicating the issue. Las Vegas Strip casinos have all raised their parking costs again. Remember when it was free to park on The Strip? Wasn’t that long ago.

  In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk about the danger of taking “selfies” on the road. Increasingly, people, especially young people, are putting themselves and others in jeapardy, just trying to get the perfect souvenir photo. Don’t risk your life, or the lives of wildlife or other travelers. We talk about three basic rules for selfie takers.

  Road Reporter Clayton Whitehead joins Mark and Tom for a look back at the 2023 travel year. In addition to discussing some of the challenges of moving about the country and the planet (often with 25-30 people in tow), we discuss some of Sports Leisure Travelers’ favorite spots this past year. Grab a note pad, because in our favorites are lots of great tips for places to see, stay and eat on your next adventure.

  Highlights

  Interactive map shows the world’s most dangerous countries to visit with vacationers warned

  Sacramento Airport Parking

  Double check for things you can and can’t bring through security at the airport

  Carry On Bag Size Requirements

  TSA Renewal

  Electric Car Charging Stations

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• December 23, 2023Southwest Airlines reaches settlement over last Christmas’ melt down

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  On the Saturday, December 23rd edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, Southwest Airlines reached a $140 million dollar settlement over last Christmas’ melt down, and there’s a way you can get a share. Plus, did the TSA really find bullets wrapped in a diaper at La Guardia Airport? (They did.)

  Airlines are fiddling around with their frequent flyer programs, raising and lowering requirements to get points, and the number of points you need to redeem the rewards you want. Now the government says its time for these programs to be regulated. Our Smarter Traveler segment takes a closer look.

  If you show up at airport security with a gun or other contraband, is there a fine, or other penalty? Oh yes, there is. And it’s not cheap. Our Odds and Ends segment discusses fines for begin stupid at the airport.

  What gift card is the most popular with travelers AND offers the best value? We have a list for your last minute gift buying.

  Highlights

  Sacramento Airport Parking

  Double check for things you can and can’t bring through security at the airport

  Carry On Bag Size Requirements

  Ticket and pricing information on the Imaginarium Walk Through Holiday Lights and Fun at Cal Expo

  Sacramento Christmas Train

  Willits Train to the World’s Largest Christmas Tree

  TSA Renewal

  Electric Car Charging Stations

  20 best Christmas Markets in the US

  Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Food Festival

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Black Friday Weekend Deals

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  United’s Holiday Film (6 minutes)

  Parking availability map for SMF

  Jack Gallagher at the B St./Sofia Theatre

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• December 16, 2023Carnival Cruise Lines bans passengers for fishing from their balcony

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  On the Saturday, December 16th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, we’ll explain how Taylor Swift took over the travel industry in 2023, and Carnival Cruise Lines bans two passengers for fishing from the balcony of their room.

  In our Smarter Traveler segment, we talk with Scott Johnston and Colm Marmion about how Sacramento International Airport is trying to improve the airport experience over the holidays, and they share some last minute tips in case you find yourself flying from, taking someone to or picking up at the airport this holiday season.

  Chris Elliott checks in from Chile with some thoughts on his visit to the Galapagos Islands and shares some wisdom on how hotels might be starting to compete on services again.

  We take you out to Cal Expo, and introduce you to Imaginarium, A lights show and much, much more for family holiday fun.

  Highlights

  Sacramento Airport Parking

  Double check for things you can and can’t bring through security at the airport

  Carry On Bag Size Requirements

  Ticket and pricing information on the Imaginarium Walk Through Holiday Lights and Fun at Cal Expo

  Sacramento Christmas Train

  Willits Train to the World’s Largest Christmas Tree

  TSA Renewal

  Electric Car Charging Stations

  20 best Christmas Markets in the US

  Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Food Festival

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Black Friday Weekend Deals

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  United’s Holiday Film (6 minutes)

  Parking availability map for SMF

  Jack Gallagher at the B St./Sofia Theatre

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• December 09, 2023TSA is planning to try out self-serve security lanes in Las Vegas

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  On the Saturday, December 9th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, the TSA is planning to try out self-serve security lanes in Las Vegas early next year, and American and United are balking at a re-do of their Chicago O’Hare Terminals, as the cost has skyrocketed.

  Our Smarter Traveler segment features a rant by Mark about carry-on bags. Why do they make us gate check so many when often times there is plenty of room on the plane? Mark has a simple solution.

  European Tour Operator Rick Steves was in town last week to do a presentation at the Crest Theater to benefit Public Television. We sat down with him and talked about a wide variety of travel topics. That interview is at the halfway mark of the podcast.

  In our odds and ends segment, we offer a fine tuning to our baggage tracker suggestions. In you have one attached to your bag, there’s one place you definitely don’t want to put it.

  Highlights

  Sacramento Christmas Train

  Willits Train to the World’s Largest Christmas Tree

  TSA Renewal

  Electric Car Charging Stations

  20 best Christmas Markets in the US

  Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Food Festival

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Black Friday Weekend Deals

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  United’s Holiday Film (6 minutes)

  Parking availability map for SMF

  Jack Gallagher at the B St./Sofia Theatre

  ...more

  

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• December 01, 2023Southwest pilot “warns” flyers about possible strike this holiday season

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  On the Saturday, December 2nd edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, the postponement of a Taylor Swift concert causes an airline to change its rules, and a Southwest pilot who is part of the group asking to strike “warns” flyers about the upcoming holiday season.

  Renting a car at an airport is an invitation to wasted time and hassle. Mark violated one of his own rental car rules last week and it could end up costing him some $$$. He reminds you what to do before and after your car rental, and throws in an idea for renting that could save you some cash.

  The Fox River Train has a special family-orientated Christmas package. And their sister train in Willits takes you to see the World’s Tallest Christmas Tree. We have details and there’s a link in our list.

  We answered a ton of questions from our mailbag, including TSA renewals, and what to do if your Pre-Check clearance isn’t on your boarding pass. We also touched on charging electric cars on the road (again, a couple of links can be found on the right or below) and a host of other subjects.

  Highlights

  Sacramento Christmas Train

  Willits Train to the World’s Largest Christmas Tree

  TSA Renewal

  Electric Car Charging Stations

  20 best Christmas Markets in the US

  Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Food Festival

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Black Friday Weekend Deals

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  United’s Holiday Film (6 minutes)

  Parking availability map for SMF

  Jack Gallagher at the B St./Sofia Theatre

  ...more

  

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• November 25, 2023Guy Fieri announces the first Flavortown Festival

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  On the Saturday, November 25th edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, Guy Fieri announces the first Flavortown Festival, to be held next June 1-2, near the campus of Ohio State University; and those with hearing problems who love the theater, there is a cool new solution for you, the SoundShirt.

  As the president and others turn up the heat on junk fees charged by hotels, airlines, restaurants and the like, the lobbying firms representing them are working like crazy to preserve the bogus fees. Will consumers or corporations come out on top? Our Smarter Traveler segment updates the situation.

  What if you signed up for a three-year-long-cruise and at the last minute, it was canceled. Think about the repercussions that could have for some travelers. Will they get their money back?

  Our Odds & Ends section of the show talks about why wheelchairs and other assistive devices used by travelers get so banged up along the way, and Tijuana gets it’s first mainline American air flight.

  Highlights

  Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Food Festival

  About the SoundShirt – for the hearing impaired

  If you wonder why your wheelchair doesn’t travel well, this might be the answer

  Seating tips for major US Airlines

  Black Friday Weekend Deals

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  United’s Holiday Film (6 minutes)

  Parking availability map for SMF

  Jack Gallagher at the B St./Sofia Theatre

  Sonic Faultlines Music Festival: The Green Room Social Club

  Sonic Faultlines Music Festival: Myrtle Tree Arts

  Transcendence Theater Company Broadway Holiday

  Sports Leisure Vacations Trip to the Broadway Holiday Show

  Hollywood Harmonies for the Holidays: Voices of California Concert at Davis High School

  Best Sports Cities

  Shop for travel insurance

  Tickets to the Sonic Faultlines Festival

  Voices of California Holiday Show

  Flight attendant duo

  Flying a European airline to Europe – Chris Elliott’s wisdom

  Sacramento Ghost Tours

  The story of In-N-Out Burger, celebrating 75 years

  The Sphere in Las Vegas

  Noyo Harbor Inn & Fall in Fort Bragg

  American Flight Attendants’ “logo/slogan” shirts

  How FA’s for different airlines “walk”

  Joe Brancatelli’s Travel Site

  TSA in Miami getting into bags

  Renting an electric vehicle? Here are some tips.

  A new take on economy seating on planes, except….

  Trans-Siberian Orchestra Website

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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• November 18, 2023Lyft is offering an on time promise for holiday season rides

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  On the Saturday, November 18th Thanksgiving Travel edition of The Travel Guys… 

  In the Travel News, Carnival bans a passenger for life for bringing gummies on board, and Lyft is offering an on time promise for holiday season rides.

  Holiday Travel means a lot of differences at the airport. Full parking lots, longer check-in and security lines, unfamiliar travelers to fight through; just to name a few. In our Smarter Traveler segment we do our best to help you navigate Sacramento and other airports this holiday season.

  Getting through security is a major part of the airport experience. Our friends from TSA Sacramento, Dale and Syd, give you important information to help that process. Their number one tip: Make sure the bag you are packing is empty when you start packing. A simple tip, but as our conversation proved, an important one.

  If the plane is overbooked and they start looking for volunteers to sell their seat for a price, should you take the offer? Mark has a short list to check off before you take a seemingly great offer.

  Highlights

  Denied Boarding Rules/Giving up Your Seat

  United’s Holiday Film (6 minutes)

  Parking availability map for SMF

  Jack Gallagher at the B St./Sofia Theatre

  Sonic Faultlines Music Festival: The Green Room Social Club

  Sonic Faultlines Music Festival: Myrtle Tree Arts

  Transcendence Theater Company Broadway Holiday

  Sports Leisure Vacations Trip to the Broadway Holiday Show

  Hollywood Harmonies for the Holidays: Voices of California Concert at Davis High School

  Best Sports Cities

  Shop for travel insurance

  Tickets to the Sonic Faultlines Festival

  Voices of California Holiday Show

  Flight attendant duo

  Flying a European airline to Europe – Chris Elliott’s wisdom

  Sacramento Ghost Tours

  The story of In-N-Out Burger, celebrating 75 years

  The Sphere in Las Vegas

  Noyo Harbor Inn & Fall in Fort Bragg

  American Flight Attendants’ “logo/slogan” shirts

  How FA’s for different airlines “walk”

  Joe Brancatelli’s Travel Site

  TSA in Miami getting into bags

  Renting an electric vehicle? Here are some tips.

  A new take on economy seating on planes, except….

  Trans-Siberian Orchestra Website

  How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

  ...more

  

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