Advocacy Archives - Page 5 of 13 - Elliott Report

Marcia Krantz's dream vacations turned into nightmares with Celebrity Cruises, first to the Galapagos and then Europe. Faced with unbearable cabin temperatures, health issues, and an unsympathetic response to a family tragedy, Krantz seeks a refund or credit. Celebrity Cruises promises luxury and exceptional experiences, yet Krantz's adventures fell short. As we delve into the intricacies of what Celebrity guarantees versus the reality of Krantz's experiences, we confront the challenging question: does she deserve compensation for her grievances, and if so, what form should it take?

Can I get my money back for a bad cruise?

October 3, 2024February 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Marcia Krantz wants her money back for her Celebrity cruise. She sailed to the Galapagos last year but didn’t enjoy it. And then her replacement cruise to Europe also tanked.

Jillian Kavanagh's experience with her 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe turned from excitement to frustration when its electric mode failed, revealing a deeper issue with Stellantis' acclaimed hybrid. Despite attempts to resolve through the dealership, the vehicle's problems persisted, leading to a recall notice and a depreciating asset. As Kavanagh seeks to escape her lease amidst a class action lawsuit hinting at widespread defects, her story underscores the complexities of leasing modern vehicles and the potential pitfalls of hybrid technology. Will her legal battle offer a path to resolution, or is it a road to further disappointment?

Help! My Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid doesn’t work in electric mode. Can I end my lease?

February 23, 2024February 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Jillian Kavanagh regrets the day she signed the lease on a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a hybrid four-wheel drive. The vehicle failed during the winter and now only works in gas mode. It also shakes when she accelerates above 70 mph. She wants Stellantis, the car’s manufacturer, to terminate her lease and take back the malfunctioning Jeep.

When faced with a hotel room downgrade, it's crucial to document everything and communicate your concerns to the hotel immediately. If unresolved, escalate the issue by writing to customer service or the hotel's higher management. For unresolved cases, consider contacting consumer protection authorities. Booking platforms often lack rigorous quality control, leading to discrepancies in room descriptions. Advocacy and persistence can help secure fair compensation or refunds, emphasizing the importance of knowing your rights and the hotel's obligations for a satisfactory resolution.

Chased out of his hotel for complaining about a small room. Is this enough compensation?

November 18, 2024February 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Jimmy Lim thought he’d booked a suite for his family in Hong Kong through Booking.com. He ended up getting chased out of the hotel after complaining about the size of his rooms. Now he wants a refund — and, of course, he isn’t getting it.

Justin Brog was abruptly banned from Airbnb and all his upcoming reservations canceled, accused of falsifying his Airbnb account identity, though he claimed innocence. His appeals were quickly denied. It turned out someone had created a fake Airbnb account impersonating Brog, likely triggering Airbnb’s automated security systems to deactivate his real account. After contact from our advocacy team questioning the ban, Airbnb reinstated Brog upon realizing their mistake. But with largely automated customer service, could false bans of Airbnb accounts happen more easily? The system seems prone to abuse or error without sufficient human oversight.

The secret of disabled Airbnb accounts: Is it sabotage?

May 20, 2024February 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Why is Justin Brog banned from Airbnb? He’s been a model guest and receives excellent reviews from Airbnb hosts, so there’s no reason Airbnb would disable his account.

Caught in a financial tug-of-war, Alejandro Soler faced a daunting challenge retrieving his $286 refund from PayPal and Chase. His money, seemingly lost in a maze of corporate bureaucracy, became a symbol of the struggle consumers face when large corporations mishandle transactions. This narrative underscores the complexities and frustrations in recovering misplaced funds.

PayPal and Chase missing refund problem: “My money is nowhere to be found”

January 31, 2024January 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever had to go toe to toe with a big company over a missing refund, then you’ll relate to Alejandro Soler’s recent problem with PayPal and Chase.

Flooded bathroom.

She left her “unsafe” Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

May 14, 2024January 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Nicole Morin wants her money back for the “unsafe” vacation rental she booked through Vrbo. And she wants me to help her get it.

Lillian Kohler faced losing $36,000 after Vantage Travel's bankruptcy. Unlike others, she discovered a potential path to a refund. This story explores the complexities of cruise line bankruptcies and offers insights on protecting your travel investments, highlighting the crucial role of consumer advocacy in navigating these turbulent situations.

Will she get a $36,000 refund for her canceled Vantage Travel cruise?

January 16, 2024January 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Lillian Kohler never imagined she’d get stiffed for $36,000 by a supposedly reputable cruise company like Vantage Travel.

When Don Kelly triumphs in a credit card chargeback, he unexpectedly faces an Uber ban. His odyssey through automated customer service and complex policies highlights the intricate battle between consumer rights and corporate rules in today's technology-driven world.

Uber banned him after he won a credit card chargeback. Is that allowed?

May 20, 2024January 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can Uber ban you if you file a credit card dispute against it and win? It happened to Don Kelley. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Michael Lavender faced a frustrating ordeal with Barcelo Maya Palace Resort over a nonrefundable hotel booking. After canceling his original reservation and rebooking a cheaper room, he struggled for four months to get a refund of $1,692. Despite promises from various agents, the refund process proved lengthy and complex, highlighting the risks of nonrefundable hotel reservations and the importance of persistence and self-advocacy in resolving such issues.

Oh no! Will I ever get my money back from Barcelo?

December 27, 2023December 26, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

It’s been four months since Barcelo Maya Palace Resort promised Michael Lavender a refund for his nonrefundable $1,692 hotel reservation, and he’s beginning to think he may never get it.

Airline mergers often lead to higher fares and reduced service quality. As major carriers like Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines consider merging, passengers like Eloisa Hife express deep concerns. With the government stepping in and consumer groups rallying, there's a growing call for public action to protect competition and consumer rights.

Yes, you can stop these airline mergers. Here’s how

January 7, 2024December 23, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Want to block the latest airline mergers? Here’s how your voice can challenge the turbulence of airline mergers and protect passenger rights.