Alitalia promised to cover my lost luggage, but the check never arrived
After John Nealon’s bags go missing, his airline sends him shopping. Why won’t it cover the bill?
The Travel Troubleshooter
The Travel Troubleshooter is a weekly consumer column that solves travel problems. Missing cruise refunds, lousy airline service, car rental surcharges — it’s all fair game for this feature. Each story presents a problem and fixes it in a quick Q&A format.
What is the value of a Spirit Airlines voucher if I can never use it?
Jill King-Fernandez and her family voluntarily give up their seats on a Spirit Airlines flight. In exchange, they’re offered flight vouchers. But the vouchers are unusable. Now what?
My flight got changed, and now I can’t go to Phuket
When Malaysia Airlines reschedules Alice Bu’s flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Phuket, Thailand, she asks for a refund. But she gets nothing but radio silence. Where’s her money?
This Virgin America companion ticket credit is unusable
When Ellen Spertus receives a promotional code for a $150 companion ticket on Virgin America, she discovers that it’s unusable because of the airline’s blackout dates. When she tries again, she receives an error message, saying the code has been used. Now what?
Dollar said I was a ‘no-show’ and took my money
Ed Samson is a “no-show” for his Hotwire rental in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Why won’t Dollar Rent a Car refund his money?
It’s been six months — where’s my refund, American Airlines?
After Charles Wohlust’s brother-in-law dies, American agrees to refund his ticket change fees. But then it doesn’t. What should he do?
Persistence pays off for this Aer Lingus delay
One delay of Nora Rousso’s Aer Lingus flight from Paris to Dublin leads to another, and now her return flight is delayed an entire day. Is she entitled to any compensation?
Hey Meridiana Airline, where’s our compensation check?
After Lynne Viti and her husband’s flight is delayed, they file a claim for compensation. Then they file another one. Where is their check?
I can’t use these Southwest Airlines vouchers — how about a refund?
Kristin Long can’t use her Southwest Airlines vouchers because of a permanent medical condition. Can she get a refund?
A dream trip ends early when her London flight is canceled
When Leslie Hammond’s flight to London is canceled, she calls off her vacation. Why won’t American Airlines refund her ticket?