She lost $2,301 in a Capital One dispute over two seats on the same flight
One of our readers panic-bought a duplicate airline ticket after falling for a fake call center scam. When she asked Capital One to reverse the $2,301 charge, it sided with the airline instead. Can the A-Team fix this one? 🎙️ Also: Check out our companion podcast, with unreleased notes and emails. ⬅️ (We had way too much fun making this one.)
🔓 PLUS: What do New Jersey, Massachusetts and California have in common this summer? They’re all going after deceptive fees aimed at travelers. Details in our Members Only section. Scroll down for more.
Overpaying for your phone plan? Meet Tello.
Paying over $25/mo? You haven't met Tello yet.
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💬 Today on Backchannel: Are you calling the travel industry's bluff on fees?
I'd love to hear from anyone who refuses to pay extra to avoid discomfort when they travel. Did you skip the seat assignment and still end up where you wanted? Did you book the basic fare and get moved anyway, for better or worse? What did you do with the money you saved? Share your thoughts in the new Backchannel.
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🔔 Here’s what you missed this week
ELLIOTT CONFIDENTIAL
Kim's Super Power Cost Her $2,300
The laws of physics say you can’t be in two places at once—unless you have a Capital One card
Kim Calla has a superpower. According to her credit card issuer, she can sit in two airline seats at the same time.
Coolcations aren’t cool anymore. Why you should book a trip to a hot place
Is the rush to the Arctic Circle really the smartest way to beat the summer heat, or is it just the fastest way to burn through your savings?
Should airlines ban robots?
Three of the big four carriers already have. Does their reasoning hold up?
This summer’s biggest points swindle
Travel sites are asking their readers to fight a bill that could make prices more affordable. But why?
From earthquake rubble to carbon zero: Here’s how Christchurch is building a greener city
To understand how Te Pae Christchurch became a carbon zero certified convention center, you need to meet Oscar.
My Furnished Finder subscription auto-renewed. Why can't I get a refund?
When Debbie McNulty discovers a surprise $179 charge on her credit card from Furnished Finder, she immediately asks for a refund. Why is the company trying to keep her money?
Turo charged me $2,338 for damage I didn’t cause. Can I get a refund?
Turo charges Georgina Montalvan $2,338 for damages she didn’t cause. Then Turo makes a U-turn, dropping the charges. Then it changes its mind again. Does she really have to pay?
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection covers consumers and their travel dreams, backed by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company’s financial strength and security. Choose travel insurance designed specifically to your trip and travelers, plus the fastest claims payments in the travel insurance industry. Get more information at Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection.
🔒 MEMBERS ONLY: Look who’s fighting fees now!
Three states are going to war over hidden fees. The outcome could affect your next trip. Details are in today’s Members Only section.
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