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
Air Travelers, Let Your Voices Be Heard
The federal government is giving travelers an extra month to comment on proposed new consumer rules for airline passengers.
You Missed the Scratch on the Roof
XXXXX. When an Enterprise employee points to a scratch on the roof of Sandy Lamke's rental car, she's assured the company won't charge her for the damage. XXXXX. Q: I hope you can help me with a dubious repair bill I received.
Oh No, You Didn't! 5 Ways Travelers Have Lost Their Manners
They're loud. What is it about travel that makes people jettison their manners? Whether it's the Ugly American or the Entitled Elite, travel has no shortage of unflattering stereotypes. Hard to say. But the anecdotes.
Travel Complaints That Fail: 5 Kinds of Emails You Should Never Write
What kind of a complainer are you? Maybe you're the squeaky wheel -- the guest who keeps writing back over and over, even after you've been told "no" in a dozen different ways.
Hey, What Happened to My Internet Connection?
XXXXX. Michael Rosenthal is promised a high-speed Internet connection when he reserves a room at the Ramada Charleston through Hotels.com. Problem is, there's no Wi-Fi in the Ramada's rooms when he checks in. What now? XXXXX.
Revenge of the Hotel Clerks: 5 Things They'll Do to Difficult Guests
If you think your hotel clerk is out to get you, you might be right. Hotel employees are people, too -- people under a lot of pressure. Result: Hotel employees are grumpier than ever.
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