 Heading to the beach to soak up some sun? Does your travel reservation actually exist? Don’t let travel snafus or con artists wreck your plans. |
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Flying? Know your rights
Don’t let missed connections or lost luggage ruin your flight.
- If your flight is delayed or cancelled and the airline says there are no flights available, be proactive. Search a travel booking website. Oftentimes, seats are still available through these websites – even though the person at the airport desk may tell you otherwise.
- Always keep your valuables and irreplaceable items (jewelry, medications, glasses, expensive souvenirs, etc.) with you. Never pack valuables in checked luggage.
- Leave yourself extra time between connections in case your initial flight is delayed.
- Buy travel insurance if you’re splurging on a trip. Read the contract and check reviews for the insurers.
- Know your rights if your flight is delayed, your luggage is lost or you faced unexpected fees.
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Avoid scams when booking stays
- Always read the fine print. Remember, the listing with the lowest price isn’t necessarily the best deal. Scammers may lure you in with low prices but tack on additional fees.
- Do your research. Go through a source you can trust – especially when booking online.
- Try using Google street map to view the address in the listing. Some spring breakers pay to rent a condo and later discover that the property doesn’t exist. Or, they may find the photos and description of the property were copied wholesale from a legitimate listing.
- Search to see if it’s a copycat ad. Use an internet search to see if phrases or photos in the ad were swiped from another listing.
- Never pay with cash or wire money. Pay with a credit card to protect yourself from fraud.
- Keep written copies of everything. You may need travel confirmations, email correspondence and receipts if a dispute arises.
- Don’t fall for a contest you never entered. If you receive an email saying you won a cruise, delete it. It’s a scam.
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Resources:
Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s travel game for additional tips.
File a complaint with the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs.
File complaints about air travel problems with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
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