Elliott.org

Kicked off a flight because of a dogfight

Christopher Elliott — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:00:19 +0000

Mention the word "pets" and "planes" and it's enough to start a dogfight.

What’s your favorite way to communicate when you’re away? Here’s ours

Christopher Elliott — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:39:20 +0000

As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been on the road a lot lately. I’m traveling across the country with my family and we’re documenting every moment of the trip on our family travel blog, Away is Home. Staying in touch with the ranch back in Winter Springs, Fla., can be a...

What gives them the right to frisk Henry Kissinger?

Christopher Elliott — Sun, 20 May 2012 13:04:11 +0000

No one should have been surprised when Nobel Peace Prize winner and former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger issued a statement praising the the Transportation Security Administration for its professionalism after he got a pat-down last week in New York. What was he supposed to do, call the TSA a...

Travel insurance claims can hinge on the tiniest details

Christopher Elliott — Sat, 19 May 2012 12:21:00 +0000

When it comes to travel insurance claims, Hannah Yun was about as sure as anyone that hers would be successful. She was wrong.

Frequently asked questions about travel insurance

Christopher Elliott — Sat, 19 May 2012 11:58:17 +0000

Travel insurance used to be a small segment of the insurance business that protected people against the loss of a non-refundable deposit on a big-ticket vacation such as a safari or a round-the-world cruise. But the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and a series of natural disasters in the early...

Travel insurance didn’t cover her Princess cruise after husband’s death

Christopher Elliott — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:13:24 +0000

When Christine Rehak cancels her cruise after her husband's death, she assumes her travel insurance will reimburse her vacation. But she's wrong. Is she going to be stuck with a credit voucher she'll never use?

Should I settle this damage claim with National?

Christopher Elliott — Thu, 17 May 2012 05:00:03 +0000

Mike Kay needs your help.

Are energy fees about to make a comeback?

Christopher Elliott — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:00:07 +0000

The Oyster Bay Beach Resort is a highrise hotel in St. Martin that promises guests white sand beaches, "breathtaking" views of the Caribbean and a "paradise found."

Am I being scammed by Celebrity Cruises?

Christopher Elliott — Tue, 15 May 2012 05:00:36 +0000

arryl and Carolyn Sigel believe they were scammed by their cruise line. After you read about what happened to them on the Celebrity Summit, you might agree with them.

I slammed my Kona condo online and now it’s keeping my deposit

Christopher Elliott — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:44 +0000

With its dramatic black volcanic rock, stunning seascapes, and impossibly tasty coffee, Kona, Hawaii is one of the world’s most unexpected destinations. And when Lynn Regan booked a condo there last year, she was looking forward to experiencing the Big Island’s differentness.

What do you really know about the TSA?

Christopher Elliott — Sun, 13 May 2012 12:30:23 +0000

When it comes to the TSA, you may know less than you think.

Hey, are you listening?

Christopher Elliott — Sat, 12 May 2012 14:33:05 +0000

Do airlines listen to their customers? In this week's newsletter, I ask the question.

Want an airline to change? Then speak with a million voices

Christopher Elliott — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:21:59 +0000

When it comes to customer service, travel companies constantly push the limits with fees, surcharges and onerous policies. No industry does it more than the airlines, and no domestic airline does it more than Spirit Airlines, the small Florida-based carrier known for its risque ads and creative...

What do you do when points vanish into thin air?

Christopher Elliott — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:01 +0000

When Jonathan Govias tries to transfer 6,000 points from one frequent flier program to another, they go missing. No one is willing to help him recover the missing miles. Are they gone for good?

“The stomping did not stop until 12:45 a.m.”

Christopher Elliott — Thu, 10 May 2012 05:00:42 +0000

Another day, another denial – this time, from Carnival Cruise Lines.