Why fake reviews don’t really matter
Don’t believe everything you read online, especially on user-generated review websites such as TripAdvisor or Yelp, which claim to help you find the best hotels and restaurants.
Commentary
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.
The travel industry is lying about fees — and now it’s gone too far
It’s more than a decade since the airline industry, led by a then-ailing American Airlines, quietly stripped the ability to check your first bag at no extra cost from the price of an airline ticket — an act given the antiseptic name “unbundling.”
Our patience with the TSA is almost up
Let’s give the Transportation Security Administration one last chance.
Is the TSA using scripts to push us through its full body scanners?
Roberta Ling is a 73-year-old woman from Austin, Texas. Statistically, she’s likelier to be the next Miss America than a terrorist. But that doesn’t stop the TSA from harassing her whenever she flies.
Is outsourcing good for travelers?
If you think the outsourcing and off-shoring of American jobs has gone too far, you might think twice before flying on United Airlines.
Should I help passengers with their United Airlines “zero” fares?
At 2:47 p.m. today, I received the first email from reader Nancy O’Neill. She wanted to know if a “zero” fare she’d just found on the United Airlines website would be honored. I’m sure it won’t be the last one.
The one thing every good customer forgets? You’ll never guess
You’re a smart consumer. Otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this.
Is it finally safe to take a cruise?
If you’re one of the 303 million Americans who won’t take a cruise this year, you might want to reconsider your vacation plans. This may be the time to head out to sea.
Why the travel crowd is smarter than you — or me
Go on, follow everyone to the beach this weekend.
Are loyalty programs worth belonging to?
It’s time to question one of the most basic tenets of travel: Everyone should participate in an airline loyalty program.