Problems with travel products occur all too regularly; but when you know your rights and the protocol to follow, you can be prepared for those inevitable snafus on the road. The Portable Ombudsman offers concise information about fixing travel problems when they arise.

Browse the list below for topics. For more general information about filing official complaints, read Ed Perkins' column on the topic at Smarter Travel.

Portable Ombudsman

Credit card chargebacks Problem: You did not receive (or received an unacceptable version of) travel services. Avoiding extra car rental fees Problem: Extras on your car rental bill that drive up the price Cancellations and refunds for travel Problem: Paying penalty fees for travel services you booked but didn't use. Overbooked car rental Problem: You arrive only to find that the car you reserved is not available. Voluntarily giving up your seat Problem: You don't know how to attempt a voluntary bump on a flight. Delayed, damaged, or lost baggage Problem: Your baggage does not arrive when you do. Overbooked hotel Problem: You arrive at the hotel where you've booked a room but there isn't any vacancy. Avoiding extra hotel charges Problem: A final hotel bill that's far more expensive than the nightly rate.