Author: Michelle Couch-Friedman

Michelle Couch-Friedman is the executive director of Elliott Advocacy. She is a consumer advocate, writer, SEO-lady, and psychotherapist who spends as much time as possible exploring the world with her family. You can contact her at Michelle Couch-Friedman or on Linkedin. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Read more of Michelle's articles here.

Never ask a stranger what ID you need to cruise. This is why

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Would you rely on a stranger’s advice about the required ID you need to board your next cruise? Salvatore Friscia says he did, with devastating results.

While planning a vacation aboard Carnival’s Pride, Friscia claims an unidentified phone agent gave him the wrong information about documentation requirements for the cruise. That guidance led him and his wife to show up for the cruise without the correct ID. As a result, the Friscias were denied boarding the ship and missed the trip entirely. Read more “Never ask a stranger what ID you need to cruise. This is why”

How did a simple passport mistake end in a $17,766 travel disaster?

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Ted Kelley says his wife made a simple passport mistake last year that snowballed into a $17,766 travel disaster.

The couple had never heard of the Schengen area or its passport requirements for U.S. citizens. But when they tried to check in for their business class flight to Italy, a Lufthansa representative quickly explained the facts. Kelley’s wife’s passport didn’t have the required 90-days validity from their return date, and the airline denied boarding to the couple. Read more “How did a simple passport mistake end in a $17,766 travel disaster?”

What happens if you book an illegal Airbnb?

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

What if you traveled half-way around the world only to find the Airbnb rental you booked is likely illegal? That’s the situation that recently confronted Alex Tarce when he tried to check into his Tokyo rental. The host asked him to sneak in behind the doorman’s back and he refused.  

Now Tarce wants a refund. Can we help? Read more “What happens if you book an illegal Airbnb?”

What good is $3,962 in a United Airlines flight credit if I can never use it?

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

David Poleshuck has $3,962 in a United Airlines flight credit through Expedia, and he wants to spend it. But neither Expedia nor United Airlines can figure out how he can use that flight credit for his upcoming vacation. Read more “What good is $3,962 in a United Airlines flight credit if I can never use it?”

What are all these extra charges from United Airlines?

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Mary Bradley discovered hundreds of dollars in extra charges from United Airlines on her self-booked ticket. She can’t figure out what the fees are, but she wants a refund. Can the Elliott Advocacy team help? Read more “What are all these extra charges from United Airlines?”