The Travel Troubleshooter
The Travel Troubleshooter is a weekly consumer column that solves travel problems. Missing cruise refunds, lousy airline service, car rental surcharges — it’s all fair game for this feature. Each story presents a problem and fixes it in a quick Q&A format.
Why was she denied boarding on EasyJet?
Atif Shabbirdin’s wife is denied boarding on EasyJet because a representative incorrectly believes she doesn’t have the right visa to fly from Spain to England. Even after the airline promises a refund of her airfare and out-of-pocket expenses, EasyJet leaves her waiting. What’s going on?
Viator canceled the tour. I want my money back
After Viator canceled Char Fischer’s walking tour without notice, the company refuses to answer her calls — or issue a refund. What gives?
I canceled my hotel room. Why did Expedia deny the refund?
After Carol McLaughlin cancels her stay at a hotel in Segovia, Spain, she’s sure Expedia will refund her money. But when the hotel claims it never received her cancellation request, who will Expedia believe?
I only stayed at the Marriott one night before my cruise!
Before her recent cruise, Elizabeth Maglione stayed just one night at the Courtyard Marriott Miami Downtown/Brickell. Later she realized the hotel charged her gift card for two nights and she asked for a refund. Now the hotel wants to issue a future travel credit.
If you want Iberia to pay for your lost luggage, this is what to do
Benedict Valenti’s wife’s luggage is lost — and then found — by Iberia Airlines. In the interim, she buys $495 worth of clothing and toiletries. Why is the airline balking at reimbursing her?
Alitalia lost my luggage. So where is the $1,579 it promised me?
When Alitalia loses Jeffrey Reed’s luggage, it promises to pay him $1,579. But four months later, he’s still waiting.
This Greyhound delay left her stranded and she wants a refund
After Vivian Pisano experiences a 10-hour Greyhound bus delay, the motorcoach operator leaves her waiting for a refund. It’s been weeks since her bus trip to nowhere. Maybe it’s time to call a consumer advocate.
Can Travelocity help get my flight refund?
Erin Vuono just wants an Air India flight refund. Her online travel agent, Travelocity, can’t help her. Can this consumer advocate help?
Will I ever get my EC 261 payment?!
When Jet Airways cancels Ariel Reyes’ flight from Paris to Mumbai, the airline offers $1,360 under EC 261, the European airline consumer protection regulation. But two months later, Reyes is still waiting.