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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

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TRAVEL HACKS

Don't let travel mishaps ruin your trip! Learn smart strategies, from tech tools to old-school methods, for handling the unexpected.

Try these new tricks for solving unexpected travel problems

August 31, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Even the most experienced traveler can run into trouble every now and then. But how do you get out of trouble? 

Categories On Travel
As airlines tighten carry-on luggage rules, travelers face new challenges. Eddie Cannon's experience with Delta highlights the growing scrutiny. Discover essential tips for packing smarter, complying with regulations, and avoiding extra fees. Learn how to navigate the changing landscape of airline carry-on policies for a smoother travel experience.

Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here’s what to do about it.

May 12, 2025May 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines tightening their carry-on luggage rules? Passengers like Eddie Cannon believe the answer is “yes.”

Categories On Travel
Airport terminals are getting bigger, and for many travelers, that means longer walks to the gate. From navigating massive hubs like Dallas and Istanbul to finding shortcuts and avoiding heavy luggage, there are ways to make the journey easier. Comfortable shoes, extra time, and even booking a nonstop flight can help minimize stress. But for some, like frequent traveler Dave Dzurick, these extended hikes are a travel nightmare. This guide will help you prepare for long treks through the terminal, whether you're up for the challenge or need a little extra help.

It’s a long, long walk through the airport. Here’s your survival guide.

April 13, 2025October 27, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes this holiday travel season, because you’re going to need them more than ever.

Categories On Travel
Overpacking is a common issue for many travelers, driven by insecurities, stress, and inexperience. With airlines raking in billions from luggage fees, it's time to rethink how much you really need to bring on your trips. From witnessing tourists struggling with oversized bags in destinations like Interlaken, Rio de Janeiro, and Bangkok, to hearing experts explain why we pack too much, this article offers insights and practical tips to help you pack smarter. Embrace minimalism, adjust your travel expectations, and avoid unnecessary fees on your next adventure.

You’re overpacking! Here’s how to lighten up when you travel

September 5, 2024August 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

You’re carrying too much luggage. Here’s how to lighten up.

Categories On Travel
Airline space shortages are forcing passengers to stuff unusual items under their seats, leading to surprising consequences. With increased luggage fees and reduced cabin space, the battle for personal space has intensified. Passengers are trying to fit everything from fragile medical devices to oversized coolers and rollaboards under their seats. The cramped conditions raise safety concerns and lead to discomfort. The unpredictable amount of legroom and airlines' lack of transparency about space reductions add to the chaos. What bizarre items are people squeezing under their seats, and how is it affecting their flights?

That doesn’t go under the seat! Space shortage is squeezing airline passengers

April 26, 2025July 20, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A fragile medical device. An overstuffed rollaboard. A large cooler filled with snacks.You’d be shocked by what passengers are trying to fit under their economy class seats these days. 

Categories On Travel
Glen Hartness faced an unexpected challenge after mistakenly booking the wrong night at a La Quinta hotel through the Priceline app. Despite promptly notifying both Priceline and the hotel, and receiving a cancellation confirmation from the hotel's front desk, Priceline refused to issue a refund. This frustrating situation highlights the strict enforcement of nonrefundable rates, even for honest mistakes. However, after escalating the issue, Priceline eventually agreed to process the refund, though the ordeal underscored the need for improved booking safeguards.

A Priceline booking problem leads to a nonrefundable hotel room — or does it?

July 27, 2024July 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Glen Hartness books the wrong night at a La Quinta hotel through the Priceline app. Why won’t Priceline refund the erroneous booking?

Categories The Travel Troubleshooter
Shirley Barchi doesn't want anyone to know she's American when she travels abroad.

These tourists don’t want anyone to know they’re American. Here’s why.

September 14, 2024July 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Shirley Barchi doesn’t want anyone to know she’s American when she travels abroad.

Categories On Travel
Traveling this summer means packed flights, jammed roads, and full hotels. Flexibility is key: fly to nearby cities, explore less popular destinations, and consider stopover programs. Use tools like Airbnb's flexible dates search and Google Flights' flexible schedule options to save money and enhance your travel experience. Bend, but don’t break.

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

June 15, 2024June 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you’re traveling this summer.

Categories On Travel
These hotel parking fees are outrageous.

Outrageous! Hotels are charging for parking — whether you have a car or not

February 12, 2024February 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Hotels have finally gone too far when it comes to parking fees. 

Categories On Travel

When is a travel ‘hack’ wrong?

December 7, 2023November 22, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Nikolas Langes thought he knew every trick in the book for saving money on airline tickets.

Categories Commentary

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  • Home
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