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.
There’s a funny smell coming from my new La-Z-Boy sofa — can I get a refund?
Vicki Olszewski’s new La-Z-Boy sofa smells. She wants a refund, but the company is balking. Can this furniture purchase be saved?
Has the TSA become its own worst enemy?
You don’t have to read the 59-page congressional report on the Transportation Security Administration’s shortcomings, released on the 11th anniversary of 9/11, to conclude the agency has “become its own worst enemy.”
Do I really have to pay for this airline ticket twice?
When Brad Walters checks in for his flight from Singapore to Manila, he’s told he needs to repurchase one of his flight segments. He’s trying to get a refund for the unused ticket, but months after he traveled, there’s no sign of his money.
Maybe I shouldn’t have taken this case after all
When Stacy Mills rented a car from Alamo recently, she says the vehicle had “several minor scratches” on the front right door of the vehicle. Although she tried to report the damage, an employee waved her off, telling her not to worry.
My house burned down and now my phone company won’t answer my calls
When Kacy Thompson’s home burns to the ground, she asks her phone company for help with her account. Instead, it sends her form emails. Is there a way to get someone there to listen?
Why lying is wrong — even when an airline does it
To the airline apologists who rushed to the defense of an industry that lies by pretending other companies’ products are its own — a dirty trick called “codesharing” — I have just one thing to say: meet Lisa Waters.
A flight attendant took my camera and I want it back
Haijun Shan’s camera is missing — forcibly gate-checked on a recent flight. The camera isn’t covered under the airline’s contract. Is Shan out of luck?
Instead of honoring a “best rate” guarantee, they sent him a gift card
Steve Rabin’s name might be familiar to some of you, especially if you’re active in the comments. He’s a faithful reader of this site who turned to me for help a few weeks ago after he booked a room at the Best Western in Pasadena.