Hey, that’s no four-star hotel!
Albert Muick books a four-star hotel through Expedia in Prague. Turns out, it’s just a three-star property. When he asks for a refund, he’s sent a series of form letters. What now?
Year: 2012
Is “opt-out” always wrong? The Wall Street Journal doesn’t think so
Is pre-checking the box on an online transaction always unethical? I thought the answer to that question was obvious after the federal government weighed in on the issue, declaring it an “unfair and deceptive” practice, and the state of Minnesota fined two insurance companies for opt-out violations.
A “best” rate guarantee with the worst service at Best Western
Best Western guarantees you’ll find the lowest rate on its website. Unless your name is Russ Thomas.
Who’s responsible for the scam epidemic?
For the 12th year in a row, ID theft is the number-one complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced last week.
New airline rules yet to be enforced, even as DOT levies record fines
Back in August, you might recall, the Transportation Department adopted a set of tough new consumer-protection rules to help airline passengers. In January, it added even more.
Hey American Airlines, where’s my ticket refund?
American Airlines promises Tracy Wilkinson a bereavement discount in the form of a refund after her grandfather dies. But now it isn’t even responding to her inquiries. Why the radio silence?
Did my rental company just disappear with my deposit?
Tom Frankel rented an apartment last fall through an agency called UsaParis. When he left the rental, he says it was in immaculate condition, and like any responsible renter, he expected to get his $500 security deposit back promptly.
Maybe Delta’s best fare guarantee just got a little better
The roundrip airfare between Minneapolis and Washington that Kevin McDonald found on Delta Air Lines’ website came to $386 — not bad. But when he checked Expedia.com, he found the same tickets for $62 less.
Canceled, confused, contaminated — and then ripped off
Kristen Hoyle just had one of those flights that give the airline industry an awful reputation.
On travel sites, the pre-checked box checks out
The pre-checked box, a clever technique that travel companies use to extract a few dollars more from customers booking their trips online, may be checking out.