Christopher Elliott

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

Too Sick to Fly? When to Put Yourself on the 'No Fly' List

For Carol Margolis, it was an almost-ruptured eardrum. She'd flown with a bad cold and sinus congestion, which made it difficult to equalize the pressure in her ears.

But No One Told Me About the Resort Fee!

XXXXX. What's this on Sonja Johnson's hotel bill? XXXXX. Q: I've been booking hotel rooms through Hotwire recently, and I've been quite pleased with the site -- until now.

When in Rome, Watch Your Driving

Of all the recurring complaints I get from readers, the one they find by far most vexing has nothing to do with excessive fees, surprise surcharges or surly employees. It's about traffic tickets.

The Travel Troubleshooter-Advisory

We have moved a TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER BONUS column entitled "When in Rome, Watch Your Driving."

Busted! How to Ensure Your Luggage Survives a Trip

One minute I was rolling my carry-on bag along the concourse floor at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The extendable handle on the bag was stuck, and no matter how hard I tried, it wouldn't retract. And I did.

Stopped Payment on My Compensation Check

XXXXX. Alaska Airlines pays Ashley Cates $239 when she's bumped from her flight. XXXXX. Q: I was recently denied boarding on an Alaska Airlines flight from Boise, Idaho to Sacramento. I had to cancel an appointment and was rerouted through Portland.

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