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REFUND

Erin Wright was banned by American Airlines, accused of intoxication and engaging in sexual activity with a stranger during a flight. But Wright insists it's a case of mistaken identity — she’s a 24-year-old lesbian who wasn’t involved. Determined to clear her name, Wright turned to an advocacy team for help. Although American Airlines eventually reinstated her, Wright’s fight wasn’t over. She posted a viral TikTok video and fought for a refund for an extra ticket she had to buy. What really happened on that flight?

Banned by American Airlines for being “intoxicated and engaging in sexual activity” — but was it her?

June 28, 2025October 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines says Erin Wright was drunk and had sex with a man on a recent flight, and now she’s banned. Wright says American Airlines didn’t give her a chance to tell her side of the story and that this is a case of mistaken identity — and she can prove it

Categories Advocacy
Robert and Beverly Isman had to cancel their dream Nile river cruise with Overseas Adventure Travel after Beverly received a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. Despite filing a claim with their travel insurance company, Allianz, and having it approved, Overseas Adventure Travel delayed their $18,652 refund for nearly nine months. Frustrated and exhausted, the Ismans sought help, and with some persistence, they finally received their refund, plus interest. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with Overseas Adventure Travel and the importance of staying proactive in claim disputes.

Why won’t Overseas Adventure Travel refund my $18,652 tour? I have travel insurance!

October 23, 2024September 30, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Robert and Beverly Isman were about to cast off on a once-in-a-lifetime Nile river cruise when they received a devastating medical diagnosis: Beverly had advanced pancreatic cancer.

Categories Advocacy
Tom Kay ordered a mobility scooter from Amazon, only to face a series of frustrating setbacks. First, the vendor claimed the color he wanted was unavailable and refused to cancel the order. Then, the tracking information falsely showed that the scooter had been delivered. Despite his efforts to resolve the issue, Amazon and the vendor were unresponsive, demanding a police report for a product that likely was never shipped. After months of dead ends, Tom finally received a refund for his $2,650 Amazon mobility scooter with a little help.

What can I do about the missing mobility scooter I ordered from Amazon?

October 19, 2024September 27, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The mobility scooter Tom Kay orders from Amazon never arrived — yet the tracking number says it’s been delivered. Is his $2,650 lost, too?

Categories Problem Solved
Satrupa Kagel, an American Airlines frequent flier, booked an award ticket from Tokyo to San Francisco only to discover the day before her flight that American Airlines had canceled her reservation without notice. After spending $3,548 on a last-minute ticket, she sought a refund from American Airlines. Despite months of waiting and no response, she finally got the airline to acknowledge their mistake and issue a full refund, including her miles. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with American Airlines and the importance of confirming your flight reservation.

American Airlines canceled my business class ticket by accident. Can you fix it?

May 1, 2025September 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A day before Satrupa Kagel’s flight from Tokyo to San Francisco, she finds out American Airlines canceled her ticket. Is she on the hook for the $3,548 she had to spend for a last-minute ticket?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Leah Davidson faced a frustrating situation when she returned her iPhone 11 to a third-party seller on Amazon. Despite having a receipt proving her package was delivered, the seller claimed the box was empty and refused to refund her $319. Amazon's AI-driven customer service only complicated the matter, bouncing her between departments without resolution. It wasn't until a human finally reviewed her case that she got her money back, leaving the mystery of the missing phone unsolved.

I returned my iPhone, but Amazon is charging me for it. Is that fair?

November 1, 2024September 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Leah Davidson returns her iPhone 11 to a third-party seller on Amazon. But the seller claims the box is empty. Does she still get her money back?

Categories Problem Solved
Leigh Roberts and her wife purchased an extra seat on a flight from Orlando to Venice, only to find out that United Airlines resold it to another passenger. Despite multiple attempts to get a refund, United initially refused, citing nonrefundable ticket policies. However, a missed boarding pass scan and a lack of proper follow-up led to this costly mistake. After escalating the issue and persistence, United finally agreed to process a refund for the extra seat. This story highlights the importance of ensuring your extra seat is properly scanned.

If you reserve an extra seat on United Airlines, don’t forget to do this

September 25, 2024September 11, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Leigh Roberts and her wife book an extra seat on a trip from Orlando, Fla., to Venice, Italy. But United resells the seat to another passenger. Can Roberts get a refund? 

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Inna Zaychik ordered a nightstand from Amazon, but despite the company marking it as delivered, she never received it. After multiple chats, emails, and calls with Amazon's customer service, she was left without her nightstand or a refund. Although Amazon initially refused to process a refund, claiming the package was delivered, Inna's detailed paper trail proved otherwise. With the A-to-z Guarantee on her side, and after some advocacy, Amazon finally returned the $95 to her account.

Amazon order problem: Where’s my nightstand?

November 1, 2024August 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Where’s the nightstand Inna Zaychik ordered from Amazon? The company says it’s been delivered, but she doesn’t have it. Can she get a refund?

Categories Problem Solved
Catriona Garry misses her flight from Edinburgh to Boston because there's only one ticket agent at the airport. Can she get $1,200 in rebooking fees refunded?

Aer Lingus made me miss my flight. Then it charged me these booking fees!

July 11, 2025August 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Catriona Garry misses her flight from Edinburgh to Boston because there’s only one ticket agent at the airport. Can she get $1,200 in rebooking fees refunded?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Deirdre Stewart ordered six bras online and paid with PayPal, but received only two bras in the wrong size and a hideous shower curtain. Despite providing all required documentation, she has been waiting six weeks for a refund through PayPal’s Purchase Protection plan. After numerous frustrating interactions with PayPal’s customer service, including a disturbing call with a supposed supervisor, Deirdre reached out for help. With assistance, PayPal finally resolved her case, refunding her purchase. This bizarre experience highlights potential flaws in PayPal’s protection plan and the importance of documented communication.

I ordered bras, but they sent me a hideous shower curtain

August 20, 2024August 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Deirdre Stewart orders six bras online but receives only two — plus a “hideous” shower curtain. Will PayPal’s protection plan help her?

Categories Problem Solved
When Priya Engel checked into her San Diego vacation rental, she was met with cold water and no heat. Despite numerous calls to Vrbo and the property owner, the issues remained unresolved, forcing her to vacate early. Vrbo initially denied her refund claim, stating she didn't qualify under their Book With Confidence guarantee. Engel's persistence and documentation finally led to a full refund, raising questions about the necessity of explicit guarantees for basic amenities like heat and hot water in rental agreements.

No hot water and no heat in my Vrbo rental. Why can’t I get a refund?

August 31, 2024August 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Priya Engel turned on the shower in her San Diego vacation rental, the water ran cold and there was no heat. Repeated calls to the owner changed nothing, and now she wants her money back. 

Categories Advocacy
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