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Elliott Report

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Advocacy

These tales are from our consumer advocacy files. If you’re a consumer with a problem with a company, you can contact us for help as well.

When Priya Engel checked into her San Diego vacation rental, she was met with cold water and no heat. Despite numerous calls to Vrbo and the property owner, the issues remained unresolved, forcing her to vacate early. Vrbo initially denied her refund claim, stating she didn't qualify under their Book With Confidence guarantee. Engel's persistence and documentation finally led to a full refund, raising questions about the necessity of explicit guarantees for basic amenities like heat and hot water in rental agreements.

No hot water and no heat in my Vrbo rental. Why can’t I get a refund?

August 31, 2024August 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Priya Engel turned on the shower in her San Diego vacation rental, the water ran cold and there was no heat. Repeated calls to the owner changed nothing, and now she wants her money back. 

Categories Advocacy
Danielle Spivack, stranded in Tel Aviv due to war, struggles to get a full refund from American Airlines for her canceled flight. Despite her pleas, the airline insists on adhering to its policy, offering only a travel credit. Will she manage to convince them to make an exception? Read on to find out.

American Airlines canceled my flight. Why do I only get a partial refund?

July 30, 2024July 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Danielle Spivack lives in Ramat Gan, a suburb of Tel Aviv. She had plans to fly back to the States late last year, but the ongoing war forced American Airlines to cancel her flight. 

Categories Advocacy
Susan Thompson booked a fully refundable car rental through Priceline with Sixt but was denied a refund after canceling due to her travel companion's medical emergency. Despite having written confirmation of the refund policy, Sixt and Priceline initially refused to return her money. After persistent efforts and assistance from consumer advocacy, Priceline reviewed her case, leading to a full refund. This situation highlights the importance of understanding car rental cancellation policies, taking proactive steps to secure refunds, and seeking help when companies are uncooperative.

My car rental is fully refundable. Why is Priceline keeping my money?

November 13, 2024July 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can a car rental company just change its refund rules whenever it wants to?

Categories Advocacy, Travel Problems
When an airline loses your luggage, does it have to fully refund your expenses? That's what Adam Hirsch would like to know after Swiss International Airlines lost his luggage on a flight from Los Angeles to Venice, Italy.

Swiss lost luggage problem: Can the airline only refund me for half my expenses?

March 24, 2025July 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When an airline loses your luggage, does it have to fully refund your expenses? That’s what Adam Hirsch would like to know after Swiss International Airlines lost his luggage on a flight from Los Angeles to Venice, Italy.

Categories Advocacy
Can you get a refund for your hotel room when your mattress is soiled? Meet one Hilton guest who wanted his money back.

My mattress was soiled. Can I get a refund from Hilton?

September 5, 2024July 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can you get a refund for your hotel room when your mattress is soiled? Meet one Hilton guest who wanted his money back.

Categories Advocacy
If you asked for a refund but your refund hasn't posted to your credit card yet, you may be in trouble. Here's how to fix the problem.

My refund hasn’t posted to my credit card yet. What should I do?

October 25, 2024July 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you asked for a refund but your refund hasn’t posted to your credit card yet, you may be in trouble. Here’s how to fix the problem.

Categories Advocacy
Brandon Marsdin paid Sunwing Airlines $536 for an ATV tour in Los Cabos, Mexico. But when he tried to check in for his offroading adventure, a representative turned him away. Then Sunwing kept his money.

I never got a receipt for my tour. Can Sunwing keep my $536?

July 1, 2024June 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Brandon Marsdin paid Sunwing Airlines $536 for an ATV tour in Los Cabos, Mexico. But when he tried to check in for his offroading adventure, a representative turned him away. And then Sunwing kept his money.

Categories Advocacy
Are airlines allowed to downgrade you from business class to economy? And if they do, what do they owe you?

Downgraded from business class to economy on KLM. But they messed with the wrong passengers!

December 30, 2024June 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines allowed to downgrade you from business class to economy? And if they do, what do they owe you?

Categories Advocacy
If an online travel agency never sends you a confirmation, do you still have to pay?

My online travel agency never sent me a confirmation. Do I still have to pay?

June 16, 2024June 10, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If an online travel agency never sends you a confirmation, do you still have to pay? Meet someone who found out the hard way.

Categories Advocacy
Frances Kennedy was looking forward to her Rhine River cruise on Viking. But before she could take her vacation, her husband died. Can she get a refund?

My husband died. Can I get my $5,398 cruise refunded from Viking?

June 13, 2024June 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Frances Kennedy was looking forward to her Rhine River cruise on Viking. But before she could take her vacation, her husband died. Can she get a refund?

Categories Advocacy
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