TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER Archives

Leaving a vacation early is no longer unusual. Whether it’s stress, homesickness, or job pressure, more travelers are calling it quits mid-trip. But early exits often mean big change fees—unless you plan ahead. Here’s why people are quitting their getaways and how to avoid the financial and emotional fallout of going home early.

Americans are quitting their vacations. Here’s how to leave your trip early

November 16, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

It was supposed to be his first real vacation in years — a hiking trip to the Canadian Rockies. And then Erwin Gutenkunst got a call from the office.

After Airbnb bans Kevin Donovan for life, he tries to find out why. But Airbnb won't tell him. Will it tell this consumer advocate?

Help! Airbnb banned me for life — but won’t say why

November 12, 2025November 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

After Airbnb bans Kevin Donovan for life, he tries to find out why. But Airbnb won’t tell him. Will it tell this consumer advocate?

Michael Ramer’s family missed their Holland America cruise after a mechanical flight delay. Despite booking the airfare through the cruise line’s Flight Ease program, they were denied a refund. With no travel insurance and vague promises of help, the family lost nearly $4,000. Here’s how they recovered part of it—and what to do differently.

Stranded by a flight delay. Why won’t Holland America refund my $3,952?

October 14, 2025October 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

A family’s dream Alaska cruise collapses when a flight delay leaves them stranded. Holland America refuses to issue a refund despite having booked their flights. Can they get their $3,952 refunded?

After American Airlines canceled Nathan Ciurzynski's flight due to Hurricane Milton, he was offered only a flight credit. Frustrated, he sought a full refund. Learn how he navigated the refund process, leveraging new regulations to secure his $321 back, and what steps he took to resolve the issue. American Airlines

American Airlines canceled my flight after a hurricane — why am I only getting this credit?

June 28, 2025May 28, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Nathan Ciurzynski’s flight from Tampa to San Diego is canceled because of a hurricane. When he asks American Airlines for a refund, it offers a flight credit instead. Can he get his money back?

When Nicholas Chandler rented an Avis car for one day, a rear-end crash led to a jaw-dropping $7,671 charge for 29 days of “loss of use” — despite the other driver being at fault. His insurance refused payment, citing vague billing. Avis’ claims partner, Sedgwick, admitted a possible error but offered no resolution. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott uncovered internal confusion: Avis had charged Chandler the maximum daily rate as if he’d kept the car. After intervention, Avis refunded $7,000, admitting the mistake. A cautionary tale of rental car pitfalls and the fight against controversial “loss of use” fees.

Help! Avis charged me $7,671 for a one-day car rental

November 4, 2025May 14, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Nicholas Chandler was rear-ended while driving an Avis rental car. Even though the other driver was at fault, Avis charged him for the entire time the car was out of commission. Can he get a refund?

After Steve Eliason booked a hotel near Glacier National Park, he faced a $169 charge when the hotel closed unexpectedly due to the owner's labor. Frustrated with Hotels.com, he sought help. Learn how he navigated the situation and ultimately secured a refund for his canceled reservation.

How to get a refund after a hotel closure: My $169 battle with Hotels.com

May 8, 2025May 7, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Eliason cancels a hotel booked through Hotels.com after the owner goes into labor and closes the property. But Hotels.com still charges him for the room. What happens when a third-party booking site fails to honor a cancellation?

Marcus Mann booked a flight with Frontier Airlines, but never received a confirmation email, leaving him unable to check in for his trip. After losing $583 and facing unhelpful customer service, he turned to a credit card dispute and even visited the airport in desperation. Frontier claimed they sent a confirmation, but Mann insists it never arrived. With help from an advocacy team, Mann finally got answers. Frontier admitted its mistake and agreed to refund his airfare. This serves as a reminder to always double-check your spam folder for important emails.

I never received a flight confirmation from Frontier. Can I get a refund?

November 24, 2024October 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Frontier Airlines fails to send Marcus Mann a confirmation for his airline ticket, he tries to find out what went wrong. After losing $583, he’s not getting any closer to the truth.

Keith Dawe has been waiting since 2020 for Expedia to refund his airline tickets. But neither the online agency nor his airline can find the missing money. Where is it?

Expedia said it refunded my airline tickets, but it didn’t. What should I do?

September 25, 2024April 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Keith Dawe has been waiting since 2020 for Expedia to refund his airline tickets. But neither the online agency nor his airline can find the missing money. Where is it?

In this intriguing case, Evonne Hopkins faces a dilemma after booking a room without a private bathroom through SuperTravel. Despite their no-refund policy, she challenges the lack of disclosure. Find out how this situation unfolds and if SuperTravel adjusts its stance in this captivating travel troubleshooter story.

Help! My bed & breakfast doesn’t have a bathroom!

February 5, 2024January 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Evonne Hopkins books a room at a bed & breakfast that doesn’t have a bathroom. Can she get her money back?

After Stanley Wales cancels his diving trip to Bonaire, he files a travel insurance claim with TripMate. What's taking it so long to respond?

He canceled his diving trip for medical reasons. Will TripMate cover his costs?

November 9, 2025July 4, 2022 by Christopher Elliott

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