Author - The Durango Herald

Are airlines profiting at your expense?

Why are airlines raking in record profits? Maybe they’re monetizing your personal data – selling your name, address and phone numbers to marketing “partners” without your explicit consent. ...

DATE: Sep 6, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

A few pictures can save you from damage claims

You don’t have to be an expert on photographic evidence to take snapshots of your rental car before you drive off the lot, but it helps. Just ask Steve Wolf, who happens to be an ...

DATE: Aug 30, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Time to terminate unfair, one-sided cancellation rules

Change your mind when you’re traveling, and the consequences can be costly. Most airline tickets are nonrefundable and require a hefty change fee plus any fare differential. And m...

DATE: Aug 16, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Are travelers giving up on loyalty programs?

It’s finally happening. After years of putting up with blackout dates, broken promises and bait-and-switch games, American travelers – particularly air travelers – are saying “Eno...

DATE: Aug 2, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Who should pay for mistake? United or me?

A booking error by a United Airlines agent forces Evelyn Jaffe to pay for a new flight to Hawaii. Is she entitled to a refund? I am writing to you for advice and help regarding a ...

DATE: Jul 19, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Is this surprise car-rental damage claim for real?

Brendon Taketa is broadsided by a damage claim two months after he returns his rental. Is the bill legit? Q: Last March, I rented a vehicle from Hertz in Los Angeles. When I picke...

DATE: Jul 5, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

U.S. credit cards can let you down when overseas

If you happen to drive down the Brenner Autobahn between Austria and Italy this summer, here’s a little advice for crossing the wind-whipped Europabrücke, or Europe Bridge: keep a little cas...

DATE: Jun 28, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

My mom died, but my airline won’t refund my fee

When Patricia Clay’s mother dies unexpectedly, US Airways promises to “consider” a refund of her change fees. Why won’t it pay up? Q: I recently flew from Washington to Chattanoog...

DATE: Jun 14, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Five common travel mistakes: Avoid them

The secrets to a hassle-free summer vacation seem simple enough: Keep a checklist. Read the rules, especially if you’re flying. Take photos of your rental car. Don’t make assumptions about y...

DATE: May 31, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

Buyer beware: Don’t get burned by flash sales

Gerald Annable had to think quickly when he found an ad for a 12-day Holland America cruise of Italy, the Greek Islands and Turkey. The special rate, $1,559 per person, could be his if he ac...

DATE: May 17, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

When I went on vacation, my Wi-Fi left me

It has been one of the most unquestioned pieces of travel advice since the first Wi-Fi hotspot flickered to life in an unnamed hotel more than a decade ago: If you want to stay connected whi...

DATE: May 3, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter

What to do when your hotel closes for renovations

After her hotel closes for renovations, Amber Sharma’s vacation package seems to fall apart. Now the online agency she booked it through won’t help her fix it. Q: I recently booke...

DATE: Mar 29, 2014 | CATEGORY: The Travel Troubleshooter