Just in time! Here is some expert winter driving advice

By Christopher Elliott |

Looking for some expert winter driving advice? Here it is — and just in time for 2021!

Of course, getting behind the wheel in below-freezing conditions probably isn’t your idea of fun. Even the most experienced motorists slide around on icy roads as if they just graduated from driving school. But you can have a better road trip this winter without losing your cool, say experts.

No one knows for sure what kind of winter weather lies ahead. But the good news is that forecasters are predicting a mild winter for 2021 in most areas of North America. However, since predictions are not always reliable you should still prepare yourself for the worst. Here’s how. Read more “Just in time! Here is some expert winter driving advice”

The ultimate guide to losing and finding your luggage

By Christopher Elliott |

It weighs you down, it costs extra, and airlines love to lose it. Luggage is something most travelers wish they didn’t have to worry about — which is exactly why you should think about it before your next trip.

Selecting the right luggage might be the easy part. Knowing your rights when your bags are lost or misplaced isn’t. (And if you travel enough, your luggage will eventually get lost.) Read more “The ultimate guide to losing and finding your luggage”

An Air Canada mistake caused me to be detained in Korea — for two weeks!!

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Last August, an Air Canada agent made a mistake that set off a terrible chain of events for Sarahy Sigie Reyes. The end result? Sigie was detained in South Korea for 15 days against her will and at her own expense.

Now Sigie and her husband want the Elliott Advocacy team to convince Air Canada to pay for its agent’s mistake. But with the carrier routinely refusing to refund passengers even when required to do so, can we succeed?

We’ve reported on some pretty egregious happenings across the travel industry during the coronavirus pandemic. However, after reading about Sigie’s experience, I think you’ll agree that her tale is the worst of all. Read more “An Air Canada mistake caused me to be detained in Korea — for two weeks!!”

How are my Amazon gift cards worthless? Help!

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

If you bought or received gift cards over the holidays, you’ll likely find this tale of particular interest. Deborah Kahn recently purchased two Amazon gift cards at her local pharmacy but found them to be worthless when she tried to redeem them. Then the company told her that she’s out of luck.

Can we figure out what’s gone wrong here? (Last updated Dec.2020) Read more “How are my Amazon gift cards worthless? Help!”

If American Airlines gave you a flight credit, this is what you need to know

By Michelle Couch-Friedman |

Last February, Susan Dunlap was excitedly planning an adventure to Hawaii. Unfortunately, soon after she made the reservation, the coronavirus made it clear the trip was ill-advised. Despite her hopes for a full refund, American Airlines quickly issued a hefty $2,635 future flight credit.

Now, Dunlap is afraid that the pandemic will make it impossible to ever use that flight credit from American Airlines. So she’s asking the Elliott Advocacy team to mediate a cash refund instead.

But can we? (Reprint) Read more “If American Airlines gave you a flight credit, this is what you need to know”