New for Consumers

Release Date: May 2002

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE FLYING

Although September 11th changed many of the rules of flying, some questions remain the same -- How can you get the cheapest fares? What should you do if you're "bumped" from a flight? What can you do about lost tickets or baggage? What about cancelled flights?

Learn how to protect yourself with a package from the Federal Consumer Information Center. First, get the facts on your rights as an airline passenger with Fly Rights from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Then, find out how to stay safe and comfortable during your travels with Fly Smart from the Federal Aviation Administration and Travel Smart - Travel Safe from the U.S. Department of State.

Keep these tips in mind when you fly:

Most airlines overbook their flights to compensate for no-shows. If your flight remains overbooked, you may voluntarily give up your seat and negotiate with the airline representative to get a later flight and compensation such as another free flight later, or upgrades to first class.

If you are involuntarily "bumped" from your flight and you had a confirmed reservation, meet the airline's ticketing and check-in deadlines, and your replacement flight arrives more than an hour after your scheduled flight, you could be eligible for monetary compensation, free flights, and more.

There are three easy ways to get your publications. This package costs $2.50.

  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That's 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET and ask for the "Flying Information."
  • Send your name and address to Flying Information, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov and read or print these and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is now the second leading cause of cancer death in men, next to lung cancer. But new tests, combined with traditional exams, have increased the likelihood of discovering prostate cancer in its early stages. And early detection can be the key to successful treatment.

To learn more about prostate cancer, other prostate disorders, as well as tests and treatments, get the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's free publication Prostate Cancer (Item 613J, free). For your free copy, please call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256, and ask for Item 613J. Or send your name and address to the Federal Consumer Information Center, Dept. 613J, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT

Are you are a parent - divorced, separated or never married - with children to support? Do you need help to collect child support from the other parent who has been ordered to pay?

The Handbook on Child Support Enforcement (Item 505J, free) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services can help you get what your child deserves.

The process of obtaining child support begins at your local child support enforcement (CSE) office. Generally run by the states, CSE programs are found in your telephone directory, usually under the state/county social services agency. They are also listed in the back of the Handbook.

Learn more about your rights in getting child support, including health insurance and how to work across state lines, with the Handbook on Child Support Enforcement. For your free copy, please call 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO, that's 1 (888) 878-3256 and ask for Item 505J. Or send you name and address to the Federal Consumer Information Center, Dept. 505J, Pueblo, CO 81009. And visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to read or print this and hundreds of other FCIC publications for free.

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  • Please check with Samantha Donaldson at (202) 501-1794 or by e-mail Samantha.Donaldson@gsa.gov if you plan to use this release after July 31, 2002.
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to shantae.goodloe@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2555

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