department of transportation

A screen shows canceled incoming flights at T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick, R.I., on March 30, 2020. Consumer advocates and two senators say airlines are sitting on nearly $15 billion in refunds owed to customers for canceled travel.

Complaints Soar As Customers Fight Airlines For Refunds From Pandemic Cancellations

3:18pm May 15, 2021

by David Schaper

Airlines got billions in federal COVID-19 aid over the past year, but consumer advocates and two senators say the companies are sitting on nearly $15 billion in refunds owed for canceled travel.

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Under a new rule issued last week by the Transportation Department, only dogs that meet strict service animal standards will be allowed to fly with passengers.

National

No More Emotional Support Peacocks As Feds Crack Down On Service Animals On Planes

2:21pm December 08, 2020

by David Schaper

A rule going into effect in the new year will allow only trained and certified dogs to accompany people with disabilities on commercial airline flights.

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An airline arrival and departure board shows several canceled flights last month at the Tampa International Airport in Tampa, Fla.

National

Feds Warn Airlines Once Again To Offer Customers Refunds

3:37pm May 12, 2020

by David Schaper

The Department of Transportation received some 25,000 consumer complaints in March and April, up from about 1,500 a month. DOT will also allow airlines to stop serving some cities with little demand.

When airlines cancel flights and offer no other options to get to your destination within a reasonable amount of time, they are legally obligated to offer a refund.

Airlines Offer Vouchers, Credits For Canceled Flights. Customers Want Cash

1:26pm April 21, 2020

by David Schaper

A new survey suggests nearly 60 million Americans are losing money because of canceled plans. And would-be travelers are getting the runaround, even when they are legally entitled to a full refund.

A screen shows canceled incoming flights at TF Green International Airport in Warwick, R.I. on March 30, 2020, during the novel coronavirus outbreak.

National

Airlines Want To Cancel Rule Requiring Them To Refund Fares For Canceled Flights

5:06pm April 07, 2020

by David Schaper

An industry group says airlines around the world are burning through cash and can't afford to pay refunds to customers for canceled flights, despite regulations requiring it.

The number of pets on planes has become a hot-button issue of late as emotional support animals have become more common than ever.

Health & Safety

Federal Government May Tighten Restrictions On Service Animals On Planes

11:26am January 23, 2020

by Merrit Kennedy

One of the biggest changes is that the Department of Transportation would no longer require airlines to consider emotional support animals as service animals, as they have in the past.

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Politics & Government

Bridge To Be Named For Slain Winston-Salem Police Officer

9:08am May 30, 2018

by Paul Garber

State lawmakers are honoring a slain Winston-Salem police officer with a highway designation.

The Cruise AV is designed to operate on its own, with no driver, steering wheel, pedals or other manual controls.

Economy

GM Says Car With No Steering Wheel Or Pedals Ready For Streets In 2019

5:19pm January 12, 2018

by Merrit Kennedy

The car company said Friday that it has filed a petition with the Department of Transportation to deploy its fourth-generation Cruise AV. GM says the vehicle has no manual controls.

The Trump administration's decision is being lambasted by consumer rights organizations and members of the U.S. Senate.

National

DOT Suspends Proposed Rule Requiring Airlines To Show Baggage Fee At Booking

12:39pm December 12, 2017

by Rebecca Feldhaus Adams

Late last week, the Department of Transportation announced it would withdraw proposed measures that would require airlines to show the full cost of booking, including baggage, at ticket purchase.

Transportation

Countdown Begins For Business 40 Closure Through Downtown Winston-Salem

3:05pm September 18, 2017

by David Ford

Following nearly a decade of planning, the countdown finally begins toward the full, 20-month closure of Business 40 in Winston-Salem. Transportation officials are urging residents to be prepared.