What happens when Holland America changes my port?
When Holland America changes the port for a Chilean cruise, Robert Houston and his wife have to scramble to change their tickets. Should the cruise line help them, or are they on their own?
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.
This Budget rental is on the wrong side of the island
Something’s wrong with Shawn Messonnier’s car: His Budget rental is on the wrong side of the island. The car rental company’s fix is less than ideal. It wants him to pay $500, plus “mandatory” roadside assistance and insurance. Is there any hope for a refund?
Why won’t WOW air refund my canceled flight?
When Tiemi Washington’s airline cancels her flight from Paris to Reykjavik, Iceland, it promises her money back. Now she wants to know: Why won’t WOW Air refund my canceled flight?
Can he get a United Airlines waiver?
Thomas Pettit wants a change fee waiver from United Airlines. His grandson, who is in the military, can’t get leave during Petit’s visit to South Korea. And now Pettit wants to cancel his planned trip to Seoul. Can he negotiate a lower fee from the airline?
My EU 261 claim from WOW is “in process” — for six months
After WOW Air cancels Joseph Hopkins’ flight, he files a claim under EU 261, the European consumer protection regulation. It’s been almost six months and the claim is still “in process.” Where’s the money?
Please fix the name on my baby’s airline ticket, Expedia
When Expedia truncates her daughter’s name on an airline ticket, Melissa Cassill’s Greece vacation is in jeopardy. Will she be able to fly with her baby?
Will TripAdvisor refund me if the owner won’t?
Just before Deborah Williams checks into her vacation rental in Sanibel, Fla., the owner delivers some bad news: Her rate has tripled. Pay up immediately, or she can’t stay. Is there any way to save her Florida vacation?
Eurostar canceled my train and left us stranded in London
When Eurostar cancels Suzanne Kraft’s train from London to Paris, a company representative says her only option is to buy a new ticket. Turns out that’s wrong, and now the bills are piling up. Is she entitled to a refund — or any kind of compensation?
Norwegian Cruise Line reneges on its refund offer
When Ross Horrocks’ cruise goes bad, Norwegian offers him a full refund. Then the company withdraws the offer. Can it do that?
Vouchers are no good, SATA Azores Airlines! I want cash compensation!
When SATA Azores Airlines cancels Ardis Young’s flight, she asks the carrier for compensation under EU 261, the European consumer protection law. The airline responds with excuses — and flight vouchers. Is it shortchanging her?