TAMPA, Fla — With so many people traveling over the next couple of weeks, it’s a good time to let you know you do have rights as a consumer, whether you’re staying in an Airbnb, renting a car or hopping on a flight.
AAA estimates 109 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this holiday weekend – 28 million by air.
Undoubtedly, we all have expectations of how smoothly that should all go. So, here are some things you should know you have a right to as a traveler and some you don’t.
Recently, we told you about Desiree Baker who became a TikTok sensation after posting about her Airbnb experience recently in New York City.
The property had been described as a having an awesome city view, but turned out to be a two-way mirror window that literally opened into a busy restaurant.
“I’m like, what is going on? So, I shut it because I’m like, can they see us?” asked Baker. “I think it’s something that definitely needs to happen is - are you getting what is shown and what you paid for it?
Baker worked with Airbnb and they reached what she considers a fair settlement.
AirBnB has a full list of guest rules and rights, one of which essentially says the property in reality needs to meet the description when it comes to size, location and amenities.
It needs to be clean, too. And someone is supposed to be available, whether that’s the landlord or designee, to help if something is wrong.
If you plan apply for a refund, Travelworld President Don Oneal says make sure to take lots of photos.
“Pictures, pictures, pictures,” said Oneal. “You need the evidence if things are not what you expected.”
When it comes to renting a car, different companies have different rules. And keep in mind, said Oneal, you’re booking a reservation, which doesn’t guarantee you a car. Yup, that’s true.
Conversely, if you don’t show up to rent your car, there’s no penalty.
But, in most cases, if any vehicle is available – including a more expensive one – they should offer you that option at no additional cost and reduce the price if they give you something worth less.
Also, if a vehicle doesn’t meet your standards when it comes to appearance, safety, or cleanliness, the company should work with you. Oneal says don’t be afraid to negotiate for extra days – or a discount.
“You could say well, I’ll take it,” said Oneal, “But how about giving me 20 percent off?”
Of course, if you’re flying, there’s actually an entire passenger bill of rights that lays out compensation for delays, getting bumped, cancellations, even lost baggage.
Compensation is likely in the form of a voucher.
But Oneal says don’t forget about rule 240.
“Rule 240 states if they can’t get you to your destination within four hours of when you should’ve gotten there, and another carrier has a flight, you can request that they put you on their flight with another airline and your airline pays the cost,” said Oneal.
Of course, compensation might not be your top priority during the holidays. The whole idea is to actually get to your destination without incident or delay.
But as we all know, those things do happen. So, if and when they do, remember you have certain rights.
Oneal also suggests customers consider buying travel insurance which will cover things like alternate lodging, transportation food and clothing which you might need if you run into problems.
Yes, you can try to get compensation at a later date, but there are items you might need on the spot, said Oneal, and insurance will often cover those necessities.