The Travel Troubleshooter Archives

Sherry Fadely was denied boarding on her Aer Lingus flight in Madrid, despite having a ticket booked through Alaska Airlines. She spent $3,244 on a new ticket. After months of seeking a refund, Alaska Airlines agreed to refund her miles and pay $3,244 in compensation following advocacy, highlighting the complexities of code-sharing and the importance of knowing passenger rights under EU regulations like EC 261.

Denied boarding compensation: Why Alaska Airlines owes a $3,244 refund under EU261

May 22, 2025May 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Sherry Fadely is turned away at the gate when she tries to board her flight in Madrid. Can she get compensation for being denied boarding? And who should pay her?

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

May 15, 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?

American Airlines changes Erica Remer's flight without telling her. Now she's trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won't the airline help her?

American Airlines refund policy: How to get your money back after a flight schedule change

May 1, 2025April 30, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines changes Erica Remer’s flight without telling her. Now she’s trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won’t the airline help her?

Glenn Roberts gets a surprise bill for $1,357 two months after he returns his car to National. What is it for -- and why can't he get the car rental company to refund it?

How to dispute a $1,357 charge from National and get your money back

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Glenn Roberts gets a surprise bill for $1,357 two months after he returns his car to National. What is it for — and why can’t he get the car rental company to refund it?

Why is RVshare holding Aaron Olbrich's $1,500 deposit after he returns his rental van? And can he ever get his money back?

RVshare is keeping my deposit! Can you make them return it?

April 26, 2025April 16, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Why is RVshare holding Aaron Olbrich’s $1,500 deposit after he returns his rental van? And can he ever get his money back?

When Jose Portela tries to cancel one of his airline tickets on ITA, the carrier cancels the wrong one. Now he has to pay more for a new ticket. Shouldn't the airline cover his loss?

ITA ticket mistake: They canceled my grandson’s ticket!

April 26, 2025April 2, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Jose Portela tries to cancel one of his airline tickets on ITA, the carrier cancels the wrong one. Now he has to pay more for a new ticket. Shouldn’t the airline cover his loss?