Travel Complaints

Have a bad travel experience? Follow these tips to make your complaint heard: DON’T…  Relate every little thing that went wrong. You’ll sound like a whiner and the travel company won’t know which point to address. Just hit the “high” points that are most important to you.  Tell them a sob story. It’s unfortunate that you’re on a fixed income and you need the refund, but so are lots of other travelers.  Copy everyone in the world, including the CEO, the Better Business Bureau and your grandmother.  Threaten to sue or never to do business with the company again. A) Your letter may end up in the Legal Department; B) you don’t want to be labeled as a “difficult” customer; and C) you may have to use them again (for example, your family wants to take that cruise line). DO… • Put your complaint in writing, whether by email or letter, but keep it short and professional, without rage. Take the high road and tell them you’re looking for reasons to do business with them again. • Include any documentation. List exact times, places, names and dates. You’d be surprised how many people forget the most relevant details. • Give the system time to work. You may have to write a second letter or email if you don’t get a response in a reasonable period of time. But if you were legitimately disserviced, the airline or travel company will take you seriously and want to make it right.