From our forums: what’s so new about girlfriend getaways?
Our TalkingTravelers forums are busy dissecting the phenomenon of girlfriend getaways. Some insist the trends has been with us for a long time. Others say it’s about time.
5 travel traps lurking in the fine print
Your cruise ship may not be seaworthy. Your airline isn’t responsible for your checked luggage, and if something’s stolen from your room, good luck getting the hotel to cover your losses. Surprised? Don’t be. It’s all in the fine print. Christopher Elliott takes a look at some travel contracts.
Rome will have to wait
When Allison Fagerness’ flight to Rome is canceled, she’s forced to call off her vacation and return home to Minneapolis. Her online travel agent, Expedia, promises a refund, but her airline, Alitalia, won’t pay. What should she do?
From our forums: an airline with terrific customer service?
It seems unlikely, but that’s exactly what the TalkingTravelers.com forums are buzzing about this morning: great customer service received from a major airline. In this case, it involves a bag damaged by a carrier when it was checked in.
From our forums: heeding the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign
The TalkingTravelers.com forums are debating the merits of heeding the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign when it’s illuminated on a plane.
What a deal! Half the car for twice the price
Douglas Hawkins and his wife reserve a Budget rental car in Naples, Italy, but when they arrive at the car rental counter, the company downgrades his car and nearly doubles its rate. Six months later, Budget hasn’t refunded the money Hawkins says it owes him. What now?
From our forums: savoring the skycaps’ victory
The TalkingTravelers forums are hopping over the recent victory of American Airlines’ skycaps in court. A federal jury in Boston awarded nine skycaps hundreds of thousands of dollars in back tips.
From our forums: should you buy air-inclusive cruise?
Talkingtravelers.com is buzzing over a question raised in yesterday’s column by Anita Potter: Should you book an air-inclusive cruise or not? Travel agents have chimed in with advice to arrive early, regardless. One cruiser recommends getting there at least two days before setting sail. “Yes I know this adds to the cruise’s expense,” he says. “For me it’s worth it.”
Here’s the scoop on travel insurance
Before Sept. 11, about one in 10 Americans insured their vacations. Now, about one-third of all trips are insured, and the industry rakes in about $1 billion in annual revenues. It may be a good time to be in the travel insurance business, but is it a good time to buy travel insurance? Christopher Elliott gives the lowdown.
From our forums: which airline will die next?
Which airline will go belly-up next? They’re taking bets on the TalkingTravelers.com forums. Will it be Skybus? Or Alitalia? Or Sun Country? You can read the informed conjecture right here.