We’ve had quite a discussion this week, whether it’s about the minivan totaled by a Disney valet or the hotel review that was alleged to have been censored. I’m happy you’ve decided to join us!
I’m in Anna Maria Island, Fla., exploring the beaches, museums and many other attractions for our Away is Home project. Look for our coverage soon on our site and on National Geographic Traveler’s Intelligent Travel blog.
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Are you missing the most fascinating debate on the Internet? Every morning, there’s a lively discussion online about travel and consumer advocacy. And unless you’re signed up for my free daily email newsletter, you’re missing it. At 9 a.m. sharp, you’ll get a link to the latest story. Stop by. Leave your opinion. Join the debate. Here’s how to sign up.
Big changes are coming to this newsletter. And I think you’re going to like the new format. It’s easier to read, interactive and fun. Details soon!
Travel
The Travel Troubleshooter: Broadsided by mandatory car rental insurance
When she books a rental car through Expedia in Tel Aviv, Israel, Marissa Barashi is led to believe her rate includes all mandatory charges. It doesn’t. She must buy insurance, too. Is Expedia responsible for the extra fee?
Case dismissed: Grounded by my doctor — could you refund my ticket?
Basili Alukos spent almost a month in the hospital this summer and his doctor told him he couldn’t fly. He had several trips planned, including one on Spirit Airlines.
Ridiculous or not? Travel is going to the dogs — and it’s our fault
From the “gotcha” fees that can double the price of your trip to being roughed up by airport screeners, there’s no shortage of issues to get mad about in the travel business.
Is this enough compensation? Disney totaled my minivan
As Joyce Dunne was checking out of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa in Orlando recently, a cast member slipped her some bad news: Her Honda minivan had been damaged by the parking valet.
Can this trip be saved? My vacation rental was a dump and I want a refund
When Marcella Knight opened the door to her vacation rental property in Rehoboth Beach, Del., a few weeks ago, she saw a dump. Not only was the unit dirty, but it was also in dire need of maintenance, she says.
TSA Watch: “Because of your attitude you have earned a trip into our body scanner!”
Whenever I hear from someone like Angela Wright, I can almost predict the TSA’s knee-jerk response to her complaint.
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Customer Service
Is this a scam? Hosted reviews on hotel site look bogus
Ellen Gonella is a guest at The Westin Ka’anapali Ocean Resort Villas in Lahaina, Maui, a gorgeous beachfront property with a little smoking problem.
The smarter consumer: Don’t get scammed by spam!
If you think the spam epidemic is under control, then I have a check from Nigeria with your name on it.
What’s your problem? “The fridge makes these crazy sounds at night when it is forming the ice”
Rachel Huff’s refrigerator doesn’t work, and no one — not the manufacturer, not the distributor — will fix it. Is the out of luck?
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Also
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This newsletter is making a switch. I’m making some changes to my newsletter and site next month. I’ll be segmenting this newsletter between my regular consumer advocacy content and our Away is Home project. I’m also planning to switch my email delivery system to ActiveCampaign, which should ensure that you always receive your copy of my newsletter. Finally, you may see one pop-up when you land on my site, but I assure you, you’ll only see it one time if you have cookies enabled on your browser.
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Our underwriters
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BookMyAward.com – We’ll book your business- and first-class mileage seats even the airlines cannot find. Let us show you how!
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(Photo: Travis Is aacs/Flickr Creative Commons)
