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Month: September 2011

The Travel Troubleshooter: Airline won’t refund my ticket after my husband dies

January 22, 2024September 30, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

After Ursula Maul’s husband passes away suddenly, she tries to get a refund for his nonrefundable ticket. But neither her online agency, nor her airline, will help her. Does she have any other options?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter

Ridiculous or not? Hotels eye airline-like rebooking fees

January 22, 2024September 28, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

I’m always on the lookout for new fees, so when Katherine Walton emailed me about her recent stay at the Chateau Timberline, a hotel in Packwood, Wash., she had my attention.

Categories Commentary

Is this enough compensation? Rescued from Spirit’s fare club, but still unhappy

January 22, 2024September 27, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Spirit Airlines’ “$9 Fare Club” is probably one of the most controversial legal travel clubs in the country. Scratch that. It is the most controversial travel club in the country.

Categories Commentary

Are new fee disclosure rules any good?

January 22, 2024September 24, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Search for a flight between Washington and Los Angeles on United.com and you’ll find a notice posted high above the fares saying, “Additional baggage charges may apply.”

Categories The Navigator

Case dismissed: The “carefree” rental guarantee didn’t cover her

January 22, 2024September 22, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Amy Hutt is no beginner when it comes to the vacation rental game. She’s booked several homes through VRBO.com, a site owned by HomeAway, in the past, and she felt confident about turning to it for a trip to Bali this fall.

Categories Commentary

Ridiculous or not? Oops, I forgot to check my credit card statement

January 22, 2024September 21, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

It happens all the time.

Categories Commentary
United Airlines downgraded Donald Buisman and his wife on a recent anniversary trip. So how much does the airline think the downgrade is worth?

United Airlines downgraded me — but where’s my refund?

January 22, 2024September 20, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Donald Buisman splurged on his flight from Kansas City to St. John in the US Virgin Islands by booking two first class seats on United Airlines. After all, it was his fifth wedding anniversary, and he could pay with a combination of miles and money: 45,841 points and $1,747.

Categories Commentary

Can this trip be saved? Hotwire didn’t have the best hotel — or the best deal

January 22, 2024September 19, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Hotwire’s low-price guarantee says you can be “sure they’re the lowest prices you’ll find.” But that’s not what Carol McCoy discovered when she booked a hotel in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on a recent holiday weekend.

Categories Commentary

Help, my Amtrak tickets were accidentally canceled

January 22, 2024September 16, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Mel Jung’s Amtrak tickets are canceled accidentally, and he’s forced to pay a $236 for a new ticket. No one is taking the responsibility for the error. Is he stuck with the higher fare?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter

She declined insurance but then signed for it anyway

January 22, 2024September 9, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Ted Van Anne’s wife isn’t an experienced traveler, but she knows she declined the optional car rental insurance. So why is Dollar charging her an extra $20 a day for her car? And can the charge be reversed?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
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