Affordable Skies

08/06/2026

✈️ If your flight is canceled today, would you know what you're entitled to?

Many travelers assume they know their rights—but U.S. airline consumer protections are often misunderstood.

In this week's edition of Travel Smarter, I explain when you may be entitled to a refund, why the reason for a delay matters, and one free government resource every traveler should bookmark before their next trip.

Understanding your rights won't stop a flight from being canceled—but it can help you make informed decisions when travel plans change.

Have you ever had a flight delayed or canceled? What was the airline's response, and were you satisfied with how it was handled?

Visit Ironmill Travel’s Beyond the Brochure
https://go.ironmilltravel.com/BeyondTheBrochure

Affordable Skies

08/05/2026

We're excited to welcome Dr. Nicole Bier as Vice Chair of the Affordable Skies Foundation Board of Directors.

Nicole brings extensive experience in aviation, transportation, strategic partnerships, and public policy. Her leadership and expertise will be a tremendous asset as we continue expanding our educational initiatives and strengthening the role of traveler voices in the future of aviation.

Please join us in welcoming Nicole to the Affordable Skies leadership team!

Learn more about Nicole here:

Nicole Bier is the Vice Chair of the Board of Affordable Skies, helping strengthen the role of traveler voices in the future of aviation by ensuring travelers are represented in industry and policy discussions.

08/02/2026

When your flight is canceled or delayed, it can be hard to know where to turn. The U.S. DOT’s Air Consumer site has airline Customer Service Plans, refund information, passenger rights, and more—all in one place.

Bookmark it before your next trip:
https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer

08/02/2026

Before Your Next Flight, Save This

A flight gets canceled. The line at the gate is growing. You’re trying to figure out what your options are, but you don’t know where to find reliable information.

That’s a situation many travelers face.

One of our goals at Affordable Skies is to help you find trusted resources before you need them.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Consumer website brings together airline Customer Service Plans, refund information, passenger rights, baggage guidance, and other helpful resources in one place.

It’s worth saving now so you know where to turn if your travel plans don’t go as expected.

Welcome to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) website.

07/30/2026

The U.S. Department of Transportation is reviewing how airfare prices are displayed and is seeking feedback from travelers, airlines, and other aviation stakeholders.

As the industry continues to evolve, conversations around how fares are communicated are important to ensuring travelers have the information they need while supporting innovation and competition.

We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts below. Your perspective helps contribute to the conversation about the future of aviation.

07/29/2026

Welcome to the team, David!

I’m pleased to share that I’ve recently been appointed to serve a one-year volunteer term on the Affordable Skies Advisory Council, an organization focused on aviation safety, affordability, transparency, consumer education, and the overall traveler experience.

Tomorrow evening, I’ll have the opportunity to contribute to that mission in a very practical way—and I’d love for you to join us.

The Affordable Skies Virtual Social will feature a conversation about real-world travel tips, common challenges, and ways to make your next trip smoother. I’ll be sharing lessons drawn from decades of travel and from helping Ironmill Travel clients navigate everything from flight disruptions and family travel to international itineraries and complex connections.

One Affordable Skies attendee will also receive a $250 airline gift voucher.

📅 Thursday, July 30, 2026
🕗 8:00 p.m. Eastern
🕖 7:00 p.m. Central
🕕 6:00 p.m. Mountain
🕔 5:00 p.m. Pacific

Please RSVP at ...
https://go.ironmilltravel.com/AffordableSkiesJuly30VirtualSocial

Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join us for an evening of practical advice, traveler conversation, and a little fun.

I hope to see many familiar faces from the Ironmill Travel community there.

OutsideAgents.com ASTA - American Society of Travel Advisors ASTA Greater Portland Chapter

07/28/2026

Join us this Thursday for our Affordable Skies Virtual Social! Enjoy practical travel tips, connect with fellow travelers, and enter for a chance to win a $250 Frontier Airlines travel voucher. A special thank you to Frontier Airlines for generously providing this month's giveaway!

RSVP: https://www.affordableskies.org/event-details/affordable-skies-july-30-virtual-social

https://conta.cc/3RFBZCj

Email from Affordable Skies Coalition Travel tips, great conversation, and a chance to win a $250 airline travel voucher       Hi, Just a quick reminder that our Affordable Skies Virtual Social is com

07/25/2026

Travel day! Wishing everyone a great weekend!

07/24/2026

Amelia Earhart's legacy continues to inspire courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of new horizons. Happy National Amelia Earhart Day!