Questions frequently asked by travelers
With governments imposing new security rules, airlines teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and many hotels facing foreclosure, travelers often have more questions than answers. Among the most common travel questions:
Can I get a refund on a nonrefundable airline ticket?
The short answer: no. But if you inform your airline that you won't be able to fly, you have a year from the time you booked your ticket - not the date of your flight - to use a ticket credit, minus a change fee. Airlines sometimes make exceptions when there's an emergency, disaster or a death in the family.
I missed my cruise. Can I catch the next one?
No. Cruise lines used to be more lenient, but not anymore. Buy travel insurance or get to port extra early.
How do I get a bereavement fare?
Airlines pulled the plug on special fares when business travelers began abusing the system. You're better off bidding for a fare on Priceline or Hotwire, or asking your travel agent for an inexpensive consolidator fare.
I've spent hours on the phone with my travel company and I'm not getting anywhere. What do I do?
Send an e-mail. Airlines, hotels and car rental companies often outsource their call centers to other countries. E-mails generally get directed locally, and that will get you better results.
Can a car rental company charge me for damage I'm not responsible for?
Yes. But it needs to prove the damage occurred while you were renting the car and that they paid for the repairs afterward. And that can be difficult, since most bills and follow-up letters from car rental companies don't show anything. If you copy the state insurance commissioner on your replies that politely inquire about your responsibility, chances are your car rental company will give up.
Is it safe to visit Mexico?
You'll want to avoid parts of Michoacán and Chihuahua, according to the U.S. State Department.
Can I call 911 if my flight is stuck on the tarmac?
I wouldn't. Tarmac delays are a small but serious problem. Last month, the Department of Transportation ordered airlines to let people off planes delayed on the tarmac after three hours. Calling 911 may only confuse the issue.
