CONSUMER RIGHTS Archives

In a quest for better customer service, frustrated travelers like Robert Grunfeld are recording their calls with airlines. While this tactic can yield mixed results, experts suggest alternative strategies, highlighting the complexities of customer service interactions and the evolving legal and ethical considerations in the digital age.

Frustrated travelers start recording customer service phone calls. But does it work?

January 16, 2024January 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Oh, the lengths some people will go to get better customer service. Like recording phone calls with a customer service agent.

Britt Lane's ordeal with Ashley Furniture began when her new bed arrived missing crucial parts. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, including requests for a partial refund and a copy of the contract, she faced unhelpful customer service and was left sleeping on the floor for over a month.

My bed from Ashley Furniture is missing a few parts. What should I do?

January 13, 2024January 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

What’s wrong with Britt Lane’s bed? And why won’t Ashley Furniture fix it for her? She’s been sleeping on the floor since she ordered the furniture from the retailer.

Steve Feiertag's journey from Palm Beach to Reykjavik takes an unexpected turn when Chase Ultimate Rewards mistakenly downgrades and cancels his business class flights. Facing a loss of $5,000 and left without assistance, Feiertag turns to Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate, in a desperate attempt to salvage his travel plans.

Help! Chase Ultimate Rewards downgraded my flight — and then canceled it

January 6, 2025January 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Feiertag’s flights from Palm Beach to Reykjavik are messed up, but Chase Ultimate Rewards won’t help him fix them. Is he about to lose $5,000?

Donald Davidson faces a $6,758 bill from Avis for squirrel damage to his rental car. He claims no responsibility, as the damage occurred naturally. Avis, however, insists on payment. This dilemma raises questions about liability and consumer rights. Should Davidson be held accountable for unforeseen, non-negligent damage?

Squirrels destroyed his rental car. Should Avis let him off the hook?

April 8, 2024January 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Squirrels destroyed Donald Davidson’s rental car – and now Avis wants him to pay $6,758 for the damage! Should we advocate for him?

When Don Kelly triumphs in a credit card chargeback, he unexpectedly faces an Uber ban. His odyssey through automated customer service and complex policies highlights the intricate battle between consumer rights and corporate rules in today's technology-driven world.

Uber banned him after he won a credit card chargeback. Is that allowed?

May 17, 2025January 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can Uber ban you if you file a credit card dispute against it and win? It happened to Don Kelley. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Jim Ogden faced a frustrating ordeal with his new BMW M240i Coupe. Despite a full warranty, the car's persistent issues remained unresolved by the dealership. With the service department unable to fix the vehicle and lemon lawyers hesitant to take on a used car case, Ogden sought external help.

My BMW doesn’t work! Why won’t they fix it?

August 31, 2024December 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jim Ogden’s new BMW is a lemon, but he can’t get his dealership to fix it or take the car back. What are his options?

Hertz hits Joseph Meisinger with an $850 bill six months after he returns his rental car. Wait, six months? Yes, six months. Does he still have to pay?

Help! Hertz hit me with an $850 repair bill six months after I returned my rental car

January 2, 2025December 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Hertz hits Joseph Meisinger with an $850 bill six months after he returns his rental car. Wait, six months? Yes, six months. Does he still have to pay?

Michael Lavender faced a frustrating ordeal with Barcelo Maya Palace Resort over a nonrefundable hotel booking. After canceling his original reservation and rebooking a cheaper room, he struggled for four months to get a refund of $1,692. Despite promises from various agents, the refund process proved lengthy and complex, highlighting the risks of nonrefundable hotel reservations and the importance of persistence and self-advocacy in resolving such issues.

Oh no! Will I ever get my money back from Barcelo?

December 27, 2023December 26, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

It’s been four months since Barcelo Maya Palace Resort promised Michael Lavender a refund for his nonrefundable $1,692 hotel reservation, and he’s beginning to think he may never get it.

Erin Mahoney, banned by Airbnb without explanation, faces the opaque world of customer blacklists. Discover how to navigate and resolve such bans in the secretive travel industry, and what happened when she appealed...

Blacklisted by a travel company? Here’s how to avoid it — and what to do if you’re banned

February 5, 2024December 16, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re banned by a travel company, how do you get unbanned? It’s happening to more people than ever. Here’s what to do.

Ling Lu Yamaki navigated a $28,000 timeshare entanglement with Hilton Grand Vacations after feeling misled. Her journey uncovers the intricacies of timeshare agreements, the importance of consumer rights, and the unexpected twists in resolving such disputes. This tale serves as a cautionary lesson for anyone considering or trying to exit a timeshare.

How do you get out of a $28,000 timeshare mistake? Definitely not like this

May 11, 2026October 13, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Ling Lu Yamaki wanted to get out of her timeshare with Hilton Grand Vacations after she discovered a serious problem with it.

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