Elliott's E-Mail 12/03/2013

□ DO YOU DESERVE A REFUND FOR THAT JUNK FEE? 

What if they had to give it all back? Imagine if someone forced airlines, hotels and car rental companies to return every penny they took from you under questionable circumstances. The answer is in my USA Today column. 

□ THANKS, CHEAPFLIGHTS.COM 

Cheapflights.com is dedicated to simplifying consumers' search, publishing great deals and also providing them with the best travel guides. Get more information at Cheapflights.com, or if you're in the UK, Cheapflights.co.uk. We're very grateful for Cheapflights' support of our advocacy efforts. Please support them.

□ WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

Should foreign airlines be allowed to serve domestic destinations? 
American laws prevent foreign carriers from operating domestic flights. But what if they could? Would you buy a ticket on Singapore Air from LA to New York? Do these laws, which are meant to protect domestic carriers, are worth keeping? I'd love to get your opinion. Here's my email address. As always, don't forget include your full name, city and occupation. 

Become a much smarter traveler
Pre-order my new book, How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler (and Save Time, Money, and Hassle). It'll help you navigate the ins and outs of the travel industry and save lots of time and money.Details are right here. By the way, if you're heading out somewhere on a trip and need help with something, I'd be happy to email you a draft of a chapter, whether you order the book or not. 

Let's talk!
The stories you see in this newsletter are just a starting point. I hope you'll take a minute to leave a comment, whether you agree or disagree with something I've written. Let's continue the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Google. I'm listening. And of course, I'm also here if you need me. Here's my email address. 

□ POSTS YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO MISS 

How do you find the best travel advice?
I answer in my latest video. Sign up for my channel for more updates. 

How to fix any customer service problem yourself
I explain in my latest Mint.com column. You'll want to tune in for the details. 

Seriously, how careful do consumers have to be?
Bryan Perilman shoulda known better. He and his wife were flying from Fort Lauderdale to New York this summer on Spirit Airlines, but the their flight was canceled because of mechanical problems. When a representative offered to fly the couple on Delta Air Lines if they accepted a voucher, he should have known to ask: Is there a catch? Of course there was. 

What to do if your hotel doesn't exist
For just $89 a night, the all-suite hotel in Killeen, Tex., promised Steven Hoybook and his family "European-style luxury” – an offer that seemed too good to pass up. But Hoybook wishes that he had. 

Am I responsible for damage under my rental car?
Brad Joiner discovers a damaged underside to his Enterprise rental after he parks it in his driveway. He's sure it isn't his fault, but the car rental company begs to differ. It wants him to pay $826. Find out what happens next. 

Why did they close my PayPal account?
When PayPal "permanently” limits Umang Nahata's account, he appeals the decision. When his wife's account is also frozen, he turns to me for help. Can I get their accounts unfrozen? 

□ MY PARTING SHOT 

Survived Thanksgiving! Now we must head out on the road again for more adventures. Stay tuned, I see another ranch in our future.