Skip to content
Elliott Report

Elliott Report

  • Home
  • Features
    • Advocacy
    • Destinations
    • Problem Solved
    • On Travel
    • Safe Travels
    • The Travel Troubleshooter
    • Red List/Green List
    • Ultimate Consumer Guides
  • Company Contacts
  • Sites
    • Elliott Advocacy
    • Christopher Elliott’s books
    • Elliott Confidential
    • EA Facebook Group
  • Newsletters
    • Elliott Advocacy Today (Daily)
    • Elliott Confidential (Premium)
    • Elliott’s E-Mail (Weekly)
    • Media Leads (Weekly)
  • About
  • Contact Us
Get Help
Elliott Report

Elliott Report

  • Home
  • Features
    • Advocacy
    • Destinations
    • Problem Solved
    • On Travel
    • Safe Travels
    • The Travel Troubleshooter
    • Red List/Green List
    • Ultimate Consumer Guides
  • Company Contacts
  • Sites
    • Elliott Advocacy
    • Christopher Elliott’s books
    • Elliott Confidential
    • EA Facebook Group
  • Newsletters
    • Elliott Advocacy Today (Daily)
    • Elliott Confidential (Premium)
    • Elliott’s E-Mail (Weekly)
    • Media Leads (Weekly)
  • About
  • Contact Us

TRAVEL REFUNDS

When Cory Belkov canceled his Carnival cruise, he expected a partial refund — not a surprise $500 penalty. The fee was never disclosed at booking, and both Carnival and the travel agency deflected responsibility. But under consumer protection laws, hidden cancellation terms may not be enforceable. After months of finger-pointing, here's how Cory got his money back — and what every cruise passenger needs to check before booking.

Carnival charged me a $500 cancellation fee I didn’t know about. Can I get it back?

October 30, 2025October 29, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Cory Belkov cancels his Carnival cruise, he gets a refund — minus a $500 cancellation fee. It’s the first he’s heard of the fee. Does he have to pay?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Is your trip nonrefundable? Discover why airlines and hotels are tightening refund rules and the strategies you can use to potentially recover your money.

Travel is more “nonrefundable” than ever — here’s how to get around that

September 27, 2025August 24, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Christina Anderson thought her hotel room in Reykjavik, Iceland, was refundable. But when her flight to Iceland was canceled because of bad weather, she made a stunning discovery: It wasn’t.

Categories On Travel
Dianne Ness and her husband were stunned when Delta Air Lines rescheduled their upcoming flight from Boston to Phoenix by 9 ½ hours. 

Delta Air Lines rescheduled my flight by 9 1/2 hours. Do I have to accept this ticket?

September 13, 2024April 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Dianne Ness and her husband were stunned when Delta Air Lines rescheduled their upcoming flight from Boston to Phoenix by 9 ½ hours. 

Categories Advocacy
Lillian Kohler faced losing $36,000 after Vantage Travel's bankruptcy. Unlike others, she discovered a potential path to a refund. This story explores the complexities of cruise line bankruptcies and offers insights on protecting your travel investments, highlighting the crucial role of consumer advocacy in navigating these turbulent situations.

Will she get a $36,000 refund for her canceled Vantage Travel cruise?

January 16, 2024January 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Lillian Kohler never imagined she’d get stiffed for $36,000 by a supposedly reputable cruise company like Vantage Travel. 

Categories Advocacy

What’s Your Problem?

If you have a consumer problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. We’re always here to help. Our help is free.

Get Help

Our Newsletter

Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Did we mention it's free?

Sign Up

What's This Site?

The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers.

Join Us

Follow Us

© 2026 Elliott Report | Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Features
    • Advocacy
    • Problem Solved
    • On Travel
    • The Travel Troubleshooter
    • Ultimate Consumer Guides
  • Company Contacts
  • Sites
    • Elliott Advocacy
    • Elliott Confidential
    • EA Facebook Group
  • Newsletters
    • Elliott Advocacy Today (Daily)
    • Elliott Confidential (Premium)
    • Elliott’s E-Mail (Weekly)
    • Media Leads (Weekly)
  • Advocacy
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Get Help

Don't Miss a Story!

Elliott Confidential, our award-winning newsletter, keeps you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. 

Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing!