It's every traveler's nightmare: The well-planned trip gone haywire. Perhaps the vacation falls apart at the beginning, when the first flight is delayed, causing you to miss your connection. Perhaps your hotel room has bedbugs. Your rental car might break down mid-trip, causing you to miss out on your sightseeing for the day. Whatever has happened, you'd like someone to make things right – but how?
Start Locally
Of course, the first place you should file a complaint is with your travel provider – tour group operator, airline, hotel, or travel agent. Expressing your concerns in writing will allow you to keep a record of everything related to your complaint. If you are not sure where to send an email, call your travel provider to get an email address.
Keep Records
Hold on to receipts, boarding passes and other documentation related to your complaint. If you have been overcharged by a hotel, for example, you will need your receipt to prove your claim. Save every email and take notes on every telephone call you receive. (These notes should include date, time, person spoken to and specific details of the conversation. If possible, ask the travel provider to email you confirmation of the points discussed by telephone.)
Consider Government Agencies and Professional Associations
If you can't get your travel provider to respond to your email requests for assistance, consider forwarding your complaint to appropriate government agencies and professional associations. Be sure to send a copy to the upper management of your travel provider's parent company.
Next: Submit Your Complaint to Government Agencies and Professional Associations
