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AIRLINE SEATING

american airlines issues

My 2-year-old gave up his seat on an American Airlines flight. Where’s my refund!

January 30, 2026December 29, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

If you pay for an airline seat, you should get to actually sit in it?

That’s what’s at the heart of John Bailey’s case against American Airlines. He bought five round-trip tickets from Dallas to Boston for a family event. One of them was for his 2-year-old grandson, Riggs.

Categories Advocacy, Popular
Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

Should you pay extra for an airline seat assignment?

November 21, 2025May 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

Categories On Travel
Rocco De Mella's recent journey with ITA Airways from Miami to Rome turned into a frustrating ordeal when a plane change resulted in the loss of his $160 seat upgrade. Despite promises of a prompt refund from multiple airline representatives, six months have passed with no resolution. Rocco's attempts to contact ITA Airways through various channels yielded no results, leaving him in limbo. However, a breakthrough came when a consumer advocacy site intervened, leading to the long-awaited refund. This case highlights the challenges passengers face with airline service changes and refund processes.

Downgraded on my ITA Airways flight. Why can’t I get a refund?

April 2, 2025August 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When ITA Airways changes Rocco De Mella’s plane from Miami to Rome, he loses the seat upgrade he bought. An airline representative promises him a prompt refund. But six months later, the airline still has his money. 

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Should you recline your airline seat? The passenger sitting in front of me on a recent flight never bothered asking. Shortly after takeoff, he just lurched backward. No warning.

Should you recline your airline seat? No, and here’s why

August 31, 2025May 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Should you recline your airline seat? The passenger sitting in front of me on a recent flight never bothered asking. Shortly after takeoff, he just lurched backward. No warning.

Categories Featured, On Travel

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