Answers Archives

How to rent a vacation home: the ultimate guide

October 8, 2022January 28, 2021 by Christopher Elliott

Before you rent a vacation home, listen to Richard Powers’ story. Earlier this year, he found a bargain on a four-bedroom cabin in Lake Placid, N.Y., through Vrbo, a vacation rental site. He contacted the “owner” through the platform, who instructed him to wire the money to his bank account.

How to rent a car: the ultimate guide

November 7, 2022January 14, 2021 by Christopher Elliott

Renting a car can be complicated. You have to choose the right company and the right vehicle — and there are decisions about insurance, tolls and fuel.

This is how to deal with the Transportation Security Administration

October 8, 2022December 2, 2020 by Christopher Elliott

For many air travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening is the most dreaded part of the journey.

Everything you need to know about planning a trip

November 6, 2022November 3, 2020 by Christopher Elliott

There are a few basic things you have to know about booking travel. Here’s your ultimate guide to planning a trip.

Travel insurance and the coronavirus outbreak.

Will travel insurance protect you during the coronavirus outbreak?

June 17, 2021August 21, 2020 by Christopher Elliott

David Klement wants to know if his travel insurance will protect him during the coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, could it get him a full $15,506 refund for his Grand Circle Travel tour of India?

The question — “Will travel insurance protect me during the coronavirus outbreak?” — is driving travelers a little crazy during the pandemic. After all, they bought travel insurance believing it would fully protect them. And by “fully protect,” they mean being made whole if something catastrophic happened.

And then something catastrophic happened. (Reprint)

How to fix your own consumer problem

November 11, 2022March 25, 2020 by Christopher Elliott

You can fix your own consumer problem. If you’re having trouble with a product or service, there is a way out — and you don’t have to hire an expensive lawyer or call the cops.

Yes, you can do it yourself.

How long does a coronavirus refund take?

How long should I wait for my coronavirus refund?

December 3, 2020March 17, 2020 by Christopher Elliott

Hang on! That’s what I told Laureen McCluen when she contacted me about her Airbnb reservation in Washington, D.C. She wanted to know how long to wait for her coronavirus refund.

McCluen plunked down $8,457 for her rental. She looked forward to a week in the nation’s capital, enjoying the museums and monuments and the cherry blossoms. And then coronavirus hit. You know the rest.

Here’s how to score a free airline upgrade

February 20, 2019February 15, 2019 by Christopher Elliott

Be honest – you stopped playing the airline upgrade game a long time ago.

And for good reason. Airlines demanded way too much in exchange for a slightly more comfortable seat: unquestioning brand loyalty, an encyclopedic knowledge of their arcane and constantly changing loyalty program rules, or a briefcase full of cash.