CUSTOMER SERVICE Archives

Carolyn Allen's home in Saint Cloud, Fla., faced unexpected issues when the seals on her hurricane-resistant window blinds started melting and the door handles began to corrode. Despite multiple calls and emails to FAS Windows & Doors, only some handles were replaced, leaving the rest back-ordered for over a year. Carolyn's polite persistence yielded no response until she sought help from a consumer advocacy team. With their intervention, FAS Windows & Doors finally replaced the remaining door handles, highlighting the importance of persistence and the challenges of dealing with warranty issues and unique hardware replacements.

Help! The seals on my window blinds are melting

August 31, 2024August 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Carolyn Allen’s window seals are melting. And now her door handles are corroded too. Can she get them replaced? And if so, how long should it take?

Rocco De Mella's recent journey with ITA Airways from Miami to Rome turned into a frustrating ordeal when a plane change resulted in the loss of his $160 seat upgrade. Despite promises of a prompt refund from multiple airline representatives, six months have passed with no resolution. Rocco's attempts to contact ITA Airways through various channels yielded no results, leaving him in limbo. However, a breakthrough came when a consumer advocacy site intervened, leading to the long-awaited refund. This case highlights the challenges passengers face with airline service changes and refund processes.

Downgraded on my ITA Airways flight. Why can’t I get a refund?

December 2, 2024August 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When ITA Airways changes Rocco De Mella’s plane from Miami to Rome, he loses the seat upgrade he bought. An airline representative promises him a prompt refund. But six months later, the airline still has his money.

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.

David Aronstein's Alaskan cruise took an unexpected turn when he contracted Covid-19. While the onboard medical team provided excellent care, he faced a new challenge upon returning home: a $750 bill for Paxlovid treatment. His insurance company required medical records to process the claim, but despite multiple attempts to obtain these from Holland America, David received no response. The cruise line directed him to fill out a release form and send it to their parent company, Carnival, but this yielded no results. David's perseverance highlights the importance of securing medical records immediately after treatment.

How do I get Holland America to send me my medical records? I keep asking.

August 2, 2024July 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

David Aronstein needs his medical records from Holland America. Without them, he can’t file an insurance claim for the treatment he received on a cruise. What’s the holdup?

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.

Joan Cassell sent her iPhone XR to Gazelle for recycling, but a disagreement over its condition led her to request its return. Gazelle claimed the phone was mailed back, but Joan never received it. Tracking information showed it was sent, but no delivery evidence was provided. Gazelle insisted the phone was stolen and advised filing a police report. After contacting the company on her behalf, they admitted USPS lost the device and compensated Joan with $170, exceeding the original offer. This story highlights the challenges of returning used electronics.

Gazelle lost my iPhone. Can you help me find it?

August 2, 2024July 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Where is Joan Cassell’s iPhone? Gazelle says it sent it back to her, but there’s no evidence it was delivered. Whose responsibility is this lost phone?

Maxine Biggs booked a flight for her husband from Salt Lake City to Geneva via Booking.com, but United Airlines canceled it and promised a refund. Despite United sending the refund to Booking.com three months later, Maxine is still waiting for her $1,751, six months on. Repeated calls to Booking.com only resulted in empty promises and no concrete information. After contacting both companies on her behalf, it was discovered that United had mistakenly exchanged the ticket instead of refunding it. Finally, after much confusion, Maxine received her long-awaited refund.

Refund confusion after United Airlines cancels his tickets. But where’s the money?

September 25, 2024July 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When United Airlines cancels her husband’s flight, it promises Maxine Biggs a prompt refund. So why is she still waiting for her $1,751 six months later?