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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

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passenger rights

Airlines are switching planes more often, leading to unexpected seat changes. What compensation are you entitled to when your seat is swapped?

Airlines are switching planes more frequently. What are your rights? 

October 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Do you have any rights when an airline changes your seat assignment? That’s what Jay Libove wanted to know after he lost his assigned seat on a recent flight from Philadelphia to Barcelona.

Categories On Travel
Iberia downgraded passengers and shortchanged their refund based on a questionable loyalty program requirement. Learn your rights under EC 261.

Iberia downgraded me to economy class on a flight to Madrid. Where’s my refund?

September 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Iberia downgrades Christopher Long and his husband to economy class on a flight from Chicago to Madrid. Under European regulations, he’s entitled to a refund of 75 percent of his fare. So why is he only getting a fraction of that?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Greyhound bus departs early, leaving passenger stranded. Understand Greyhound's terms and how to pursue a refund for a missed bus due to early departure.

My daughter’s Greyhound bus left early and she missed it. Can she get a refund?

July 14, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Jessica Wehner’s worst travel nightmare turned into a reality just before a busy holiday weekend. That’s when her daughter, Samantha, tried to take a Greyhound bus back to college. But the motorcoach left without her.

Categories Advocacy
Passenger experienced a 14-hour American Airlines flight delay and was promised compensation, but never received it. Learn about EU 261 regulations and how to get your due.

American Airlines promised me compensation for my flight delay. Where is it?

June 25, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines promises Joseph Muskovich compensation for a lengthy flight delay. But despite repeated promises, it never pays. How can he get American Airlines to honor its promise?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Passenger seeks full refund after Aer Lingus switches aircraft due to a strike, leading to a charter flight. Understand your rights when airlines change service, negotiation strategies, and how to get a fair resolution in flight disruption cases.

Aer Lingus Switched my aircraft. Am I entitled to a refund?

June 2, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Is an aircraft switch enough cause to ask for a full flight refund? Stephanie Szigetvari wants to know — and the answer might surprise you. It surprised me, and I don’t surprise easily.

Categories Advocacy
Sherry Fadely was denied boarding on her Aer Lingus flight in Madrid, despite having a ticket booked through Alaska Airlines. She spent $3,244 on a new ticket. After months of seeking a refund, Alaska Airlines agreed to refund her miles and pay $3,244 in compensation following advocacy, highlighting the complexities of code-sharing and the importance of knowing passenger rights under EU regulations like EC 261.

Denied boarding on my flight home. Why won’t Alaska Airlines give me a refund?

May 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Sherry Fadely is turned away at the gate when she tries to board her flight in Madrid. Can she get compensation for being denied boarding? And who should pay her?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Paying extra for an airline seat assignment can feel like a money grab, yet it may be necessary for comfort. While many travelers opt to skip the fees, understanding when to pay for a preferred seat can enhance your travel experience and save you from unnecessary stress during flights.

Should you pay extra for an airline seat assignment?

May 5, 2025May 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

Categories On Travel
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?

April 2, 2025August 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. 

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Airlines are surprising customers with unexpected kindness, such as shedding fees and offering free perks. This shift, influenced by government regulations and a surge in passenger complaints, aims to improve customer satisfaction and retain loyalty. While low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier lead this change, even legacy airlines are stepping up. However, experts warn that this newfound niceness might be short-lived and could eventually result in higher fares. Real, lasting change will only occur when passengers value service quality over cost, pushing airlines to consistently prioritize customer care.

Why are airlines being so nice to you?

July 15, 2024July 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Airlines are shedding fees, giving away free stuff, and being extra nice to their customers. Has the world gone mad?

Categories On Travel
The new airline consumer protection rules target junk fees and guarantee refunds for significant delays. Yet, implementation hurdles and potential conflicts loom. Will these regulations truly benefit travelers this summer? Read on for insights.

Will new airline consumer protection rules help you when you fly this summer?

May 17, 2024May 11, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

You’ve probably heard about the new airline consumer protection rules that rolled out with a one-two punch last month. There were so many, it’s almost hard to keep track. And maybe you’re saying to yourself: Finally, I’ll have some rights when I fly.

Categories On Travel
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