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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

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SURCHARGE

Junk fees -- hidden, mandatory extras added to your final bill -- have mushroomed in recent months and travelers are crying foul. The government is waging a public war against these annoying extras, but businesses still love hitting their customers with extras because fooling them into paying more is highly profitable.

Travelers are drowning in junk fees during the summer of surcharges

November 24, 2024May 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Junk fees — hidden, mandatory extras added to your final bill — have mushroomed in recent months and travelers are crying foul. The government is waging a public war against these annoying extras, but businesses still love hitting their customers with extras because fooling them into paying more is highly profitable.

Categories On Travel
Facing a medical emergency, the person had to cancel a Costa Rica retreat booked through a New York yoga studio.

Charged an extra $400 for a vacation I can’t take

January 22, 2024September 21, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Ruth Hartmann has to cancel her yoga retreat to Costa Rica after she lands in the hospital. Why is her resort asking her to pay an extra $400 for a vacation she can’t take?

Categories Commentary, The Travel Troubleshooter
Nick Pilolla thought he'd made a reservation at the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino through Otel.com, a European travel website.

A $500 fee for being American and other absurd hotel surcharges

January 22, 2024August 28, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Nick Pilolla thought he’d made a reservation at the Renaissance Aruba Beach Resort & Casino through Otel.com, a European travel website.

Categories Commentary
Last month, I reported on the possible re-emergence of Oyster Bay's energy fees in the hotel industry. I have good news.

The mystery of Oyster Bay’s energy fee deepens

January 22, 2024June 6, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Last month, I reported on the possible re-emergence of energy fees in the hotel industry. Today, I have some good news for you — and an update from the hotel that allegedly charged the fee to one guest.

Categories Commentary
The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a highrise hotel in St. Martin that promises guests white sand beaches, "breathtaking" views of the Caribbean.

Are energy fees about to make a comeback?

January 22, 2024May 16, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a highrise hotel in St. Martin that promises guests white sand beaches, “breathtaking” views of the Caribbean and a “paradise found.”

Categories Commentary
When Sylvia Dawson tried to book airline tickets from New York to London for a group traveling next month, she was taken aback by the fare.

Ridiculous or not? Airlines fall in love with fuel surcharges all over again

January 20, 2024April 6, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

When Sylvia Dawson tried to book airline tickets from New York to London for a group traveling next month, she was taken aback by the fare.

Categories Commentary
On a Hilton Head Island trip, a traveler encountered extra fees from Enterprise when renting due to charges for additional drivers.

An unmarried driver fee? How enterprising

January 20, 2024April 1, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

When Stacey Koprince rents a car with her partner in Hilton Head, SC, there’s an additional driver fee of $5 a day – a fee Enterprise had promised not to charge. What now?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter

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