One of the most common swine flu-related questions I’ve been getting relates to rescheduled cruises. Many cruise lines are diverted their ships to avoid Mexican ports. What if you don’t want to go? Should you be able to get a refund?
From the monthly archives:
April 2009
Airline luggage has been making headlines recently, whether it’s US Airways’ controversial decision to add a $5 convenience fee to some checked bags or Alaska Air’s luggage fee/guarantee. But which airline has the most customer-friendly policy when it comes to checked luggage?
If you’re nervous about the recent swine flu outbreak and want to cancel an upcoming vacation to Mexico, you might want to read this before calling your travel agent.
Plus the latest on swine flu and “optional” car rental insurance that really isn’t.
It had all the makings of an unsolvable case. It involved a canceled wedding, nonrefundable tickets and an airline that refuses to answer my e-mails. But never say never.
Look out for cancellation penalties. Beware of energy surcharges. And watch for facilities fees. No, not on your airline ticket. Not on your hotel folio. You may find these new extras on your next car rental bill.
When Jessica Santangelo and her husband check in at the Hertz rental counter in Zagreb, they’re told they have to buy insurance. But Santangelo had been told she was fully covered before her trip. Should Hertz refund her insurance now that she’s home?
What’s new on Elliott: Walking scams, taxation without representation and a rapping flight attendant
Walking “down,” taxation without representation and a brand-new feature.
Just when you thought they couldn’t possibly add any more fees to rentals, here comes another: A freshman state senator in Florida is trying to slap a $2 tax on cars to support Tri-Rail, South Florida’s commuter train.
Let’s say your cruise is cut short by the outbreak of a gastrointestinal virus. You spend most of your vacation quarantined in your cabin. Should you pay for it?
The ticket agent just threw the book in your face. The hotel clerk gave you a firm “no.” The rental agent shook his head when you asked for a car. Paging Edward R. Murrow.
There’s an interesting story developing north of the border involving a bankrupt tour operator, several Caribbean resorts and thousands of vacationers. When Canadian tour company Conquest Vacations closed its doors last week, it left many of its bills unpaid. Now hotels are essentially forcing their guests to pay their hotel bills twice, often using heavyhanded and threatening tactics.
Cruising isn’t what it used to be. Just ask Steve Roberts, who recently sailed from Costa Maya, Mexico, to Nassau, Bahamas on the Carnival Glory. Although his floating vacation was billed as an “all inclusive” experience, Roberts found it was anything but that.
Kristin Luna reserves a car in Austin, Texas but when she checks in, her car rental company is out of vehicles. She’s free to rent from another company, but will have to pay an extra $245. Shouldn’t her car rental company or travel agent help her?
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