Elliott Confidential

Elliott Confidential

Are cleaning fees the newest cash grab?

From Lyft’s $80 "scuff" scam to $400 car rental fines, here's why your summer trip might cost more than you think

Christopher Elliott's avatar
Christopher Elliott
May 25, 2025
∙ Paid

Sharmistha Das says she didn't trash her Lyft.

But her driver claims she dragged her bicycle helmet along the side of his door, leaving several long scuff marks.

Lyft charged her credit card an $80 cleaning fee — and she's not alone. As the summer travel season gets underway, more travel companies are billing their customers for leaving a mess behind.

This…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Christopher Elliott.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Christopher Elliott · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture