Feature Details
- Frequency: 1/wk
- Release date: Tuesdays
- Moves with art: No
- Moves with multimedia: No
- Available: International, U.S. & Canada
The Travel Troubleshooter
Christopher Elliott, National Geographic Traveler's ombudsman, NPR commentator, consumer advocate and travel industry critic, writes "The Travel Troubleshooter," a straight-talking, reader-friendly advice column for travelers. His weekly Q&A takes a reader problem and follows it through to the industry officials. He also offers advice on navigating the ins and outs of questionable hotel deals, airline come-ons and mystery cruise-ship surcharges.
The Travel Troubleshooter Samples
Bill aims to scuttle new airfare pricing rule
Enjoy the government's new airfare rule. On Jan. 26, the U.S. Department of Transportation began requiring airlines and ticket agents to quote fares that include all mandatory taxes and fees.
Help! I'm getting a runaround on a refund
Michael Roessle tries to book a room through the Accor website, but he ends up with two. Q: I recently booked a two-night stay at the Hotel am Konzerthaus in Vienna, Austria, through the Accor website.
Vacation rental phishing scams catch more travelers
Shauna Kattler thought she'd found the ideal rental home in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, for her Christmas vacation: a two-bedroom penthouse condominium with a hot tub and an impossibly perfect view of the Caribbean.
I paid for tickets on the wrong airline
Laurie Spear's travel agent tells her she's booked on American Airlines. Q: I planned an once-in-a-lifetime trip for my two children and me to South Africa a few months ago. My travel agent told me the flight was made with American Airlines.
Costa Concordia sinking leaves other cruise-ship passengers alarmed -- and out of luck
The tragic sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship last week is leaving a line of worried passengers in its wake. Westbrook believes that had she been aboard the cruise liner, she might have been a casualty.
Did I go all "Incredible Hulk" on my rental car?
There are dents on Mark Ferguson's rental SUV, and Enterprise wants him to pay for the repairs. Q: I recently rented an SUV from Enterprise in Tenafly, N.J. A manager and I walked around the car before I left the lot.
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