The Travel Critic
6 secrets for getting a travel company to see things your way
I admit, I have an unfair advantage. When I ask a travel company to reconsider its decision to deny a refund or impose a surcharge, my e-mail signature pretty much says it all: If you don’t do the right thing, this might make an interesting story. But you don’t have to be a nationally syndicated columnist and ombudsman to persuade a travel company to see things your way.
Elliott Videocast
The first run of 2009 (ouch!)
Getting your ski legs isn’t always easy. Here’s what happened to Christopher Elliott when he took his first run of 2009 at Whistler-Blackcomb.
The Troubleshooter
Paid for a driving permit that’s no good
His travel agent sells him an International Driving Permit, but when Michael Elliott arrives in Grenada, he’s told he needs to buy a local permit. Should his agency refund the money he spent on the first permit? And what’s the deal with International Driving Permits, anyway?
Recent columns
Elliott blog
When a hotel goes out of business, what happens to your vacation?
Here’s a problem many travelers are likely to face in 2009: a hotel that closes its doors because of the lackluster economy, taking your vacation with it. But it doesn’t have to end badly, the way it did for Michele Greer.
Highway robbery: Should Avis be allowed to charge $336 an hour for a rental car?
The words “highway robbery” come to mind when hearing the story of John Floss, who was charged about $336 an hour to rent a car from Avis during the holidays. Is that legal?
Stranded five days in Syracuse — what does the airline owe me?
Does an airline owe you anything for a five-day delay? William Danylchuk was held up in Syracuse for the better part of the week, while trying to get home to Des Moines for Christmas. American Airlines offered him nothing for the inconvenience. Can it do that?
No flying, more drinking, new places: Your 2009 travel resolutions on Twitter
What are your 2009 travel resolutions? I asked my friends on Twitter, and here’s what they had to say.
“Ludicrous”
Air travel sure can be a confusing experience. Just ask Patricia Lapadula, who recently bought a ticket on United Airlines through Cheaptickets.com. At least that’s what she thought.
Should I book a vacation now — or wait?
In a word: wait. But not too long. I’ve been getting this question a lot, and I usually refrain from making predictions. No one really knows how prices will fare. But look at this.
8 most popular travel stories of 2008
The votes are in. Here are the most popular posts of 2008, as determined by you, my readers.