When Jessica Kamzik’s father was diagnosed with stomach cancer last summer, there was no question about what she had to do. Dad’s prognosis was “grave” — the doctors said he probably wouldn’t make it to the holidays — and, “as any loving daughter would do, I immediately cancelled our vacation to stay closer to him,” she says.
DENIED
Richard Effress though he had a perfectly legitimate reason for canceling part of his trip to Africa with his mother: new requirement that travelers entering South Africa needed a yellow fever vaccine. He was certain his travel insurance policy would cover the change.
Denise Frantz’s Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival isn’t meant to be. First her plane is delayed, and then she’s denied boarding because of a paperwork problem. But wait! Didn’t Carnival make her airline reservations? Shouldn’t it help her now?
Here’s a type of case that crosses my desk often, and to which I almost always say “no.” But should I?
Catherine Markland was looking forward to her Ecuador trip with Friendly Planet this month. She had a litte extra peace of mind because she’d purchased an insurance policy for her flights through Access America.
Veda Robinson and Jackie Smartt were looking forward to their Carnival cruise last December. But they never made it on board. Smartt had packed the wrong ID, and the cruise line left her standing at the dock.
The problem with proposed rulemakings is that they often run on forever, and the journalists who are supposed to review them and report back gloss over the really important material.
Diane Gandara cancels her vacation to New Delhi after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. But her insurance company won’t honor her claim because she wasn’t visiting Mumbai. Is the $7,300 she spent on her trip lost?
Timing is everything when you pull a bait-and-switch. Most of them happen just before or after the purchase – an “oops-the-price-isn’t-available” or a “sorry-did-we-forget-to-mention-a-fee” stunt. But for Mary Hoefs’ Royal Caribbean cruise, she didn’t find out until she tried to board.
Linda Kirby prepays for a rental car through Priceline, but when she tries to pick up the car, she’s denied. The reason? She doesn’t have a credit card. Now Priceline is balking at a refund. Is there any hope for her?
Elliott is consumer advocate 
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