Fix Your Trip, with Laura McKenzie

What To Do If...

 

Your Hotel or Airline Reservation is Missing?
» With online bookings and paperless, that happens a lot.

» The only way to avoid it is DON'T SHOW UP PAPERLESS.

» ALWAYS travel with a printout of your reservation, including the locator number.

» Don't hang up or log off your initial reservation until you get that number.

» Always CALL & CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION a week ahead, and again a day ahead with that locater number.

» Use a credit card, because If you do get charged extra fees, you can dispute it & have it taken off your bill until the matter is investigated.

» If it's still missing, show your printout and ASK TO BE REBOOKED AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

Your Flight is Overbooked?
» If you are involuntarily bumped, you can get up to $1300.00 to cover meals and overnight accommodations.

» Airlines aren't required to give anything to volunteers until they are denied a seat, and THAT would be a complete disaster!

» If you volunteer, make sure you ask about restrictions.

» How long is the ticket or voucher good for? Is it "blacked out" during holiday periods when you might want to use it? Can it be used for international flights?

» INVOLUNTARY BUMPING: You're entitled to denied boarding compensation plus a free flight ONLY if they don't get you to your destination within an hour.

Your Flight is Cancelled
» Immediately pick up the phone and call your travel agent or the airline direct.

» Rebook the next available flight yourself rather than wait in line at the gate.

» Cancelled flights will either redirect or off load baggage for collection.

» Know your rights: Google "Consumer Airline Rights"

You Don't Like Your Hotel Room?
» Ask for compensation comparable to what you did not receive.

» Take photos to prove your complaints.

» Ask to be moved to a comparable hotel or resort.

» Be calm and reasonable in stating your dissatisfaction.

» At last resort, disavow the credit card charge until you can work it out.

WATCH Travel Expert Laura McKenzie show you tips to save any trip>>

Follow Laura on her global adventures on "Laura McKenzie's Traveler," every Friday at 12p/11c on Hallmark Channel! 

Return to episode guide >>