Elliott Advocacy is a nonprofit organization that mediates cases between consumers and businesses. These are commentary articles that detail our efforts and provide educational information for consumers.
When Robert Petit changed his flight from San Francisco to London by a day — and received a confirmation from Delta Air Lines — he assumed he would be able to actually fly on that day. But a booking mistake sent him to the airport on the wrong day, and now he wants our advocacy team’s help.
When Rebecca Yonker found a two-for-one deal on Cedar Point amusement park tickets online, she jumped at the offer. For just $36, she could get two admissions to America’s Mecca of roller-coasters. That is, until she learned Groupon had made a mistake.Turns out, the offer was more like a one-for-one.
Think the real world is a dangerous place for travelers? Try visiting the virtual one, a destination filled with shady travel offers and criminals who want to steal your personal information.It’s the time of year when people start planning their summer vacations, and with everyone watching the bottom line, the temptation to save a few dollars by booking online is strong. That might include searching the underside of the internet for a bargain.
Finding an affordable car insurance policy seemed like an impossible task for Nicole Scheufler. She lives in a busy part of San Diego and has been rear-ended a few times. After her last car wreck, “the insurance rates were insane,” she says.But she found a policy, thanks to a new way of buying insurance called Gabi.
When it comes to respect, sometimes little things make a big difference for travelers. For Don Brauninger, it’s travel industry employees who replace the words “you’re welcome” with “no problem”.Brauninger, a manager for an emergency services company in Haymarket, Virginia, has heard it from airline agents, hotel clerks and car rental employees.”No problem” – as if his patronage and his presence might be a hardship.
Looking for ways to relieve stress at the airport? No worries. I have some ideas.The next time you feel stressed out at the airport, look up. If you’re lucky, you’ll see painted clouds, or a wall of vines and orchids, and you’ll hear the sounds of songbirds.
Marcus DeGruttola says United Airlines’ mistake didn’t just cost him $1,550. It also left him and his wife, Holly, stuck in Africa. He needs some help unraveling a very complicated case and getting a refund.
From impossibly long lines to intrusive searches by humorless agents, today’s airport screening process is a hassle for many fliers.But the screenings of tomorrow could be unlike anything you can imagine — fast, easy, and maybe even friendly. At least that’s the assessment of experts.
What’s the difference between a “glitch” and a “mistake”? For Patricia Alexander, who booked the wrong date for her husband’s flight, it’s the difference between a $996 refund and the silent treatment.
Travel companies love to keep your money, even when they’re not supposed to. If you don’t believe me, ask Melina Jose, who was supposed to fly from Paris to Orlando, Florida, recently.
