TRAVEL COMPLAINTS – Elliott Report

From demanding service to cultural insensitivity, are travelers sabotaging their own experiences? Learn how to be a better guest abroad.

Have travelers become their own worst enemy?

September 14, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

The coconut smoothie test is hardly a scientific way of determining if you’re a savvy traveler. But it’s highly effective.

Traveler fights National Geographic over inconvenient flight change on a tour of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.

Can you fix this inconvenient routing on my National Geographic tour, please?

August 6, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Harrison Coerver has a problem with his upcoming National Geographic tour. One of his days has turned into a more than six-hour journey from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. Can he get it changed back to a nonstop flight?

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?

When faced with a hotel room downgrade, it's crucial to document everything and communicate your concerns to the hotel immediately. If unresolved, escalate the issue by writing to customer service or the hotel's higher management. For unresolved cases, consider contacting consumer protection authorities. Booking platforms often lack rigorous quality control, leading to discrepancies in room descriptions. Advocacy and persistence can help secure fair compensation or refunds, emphasizing the importance of knowing your rights and the hotel's obligations for a satisfactory resolution.

Chased out of his hotel for complaining about a small room. Is this enough compensation?

February 12, 2025February 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Jimmy Lim thought he’d booked a suite for his family in Hong Kong through Booking.com. He ended up getting chased out of the hotel after complaining about the size of his rooms. Now he wants a refund — and, of course, he isn’t getting it.

Frontier Airlines overcharged Abbey Colville for her luggage on a recent flight from Denver to Detroit. Way overcharged her.

What should you do when an airline overcharges you for luggage?

November 21, 2024July 7, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Frontier Airlines overcharged Abbey Colville for her luggage on a recent flight from Denver to Detroit. Way overcharged her.