Why are travel refunds taking so long now?

Here's what can you do to speed things up

Illustration by Christopher Elliott

If you've tried to get a refund from an airline, hotel or cruise line lately, then you probably know that you have to pack your patience and prepare for an adventure. Or maybe I should say, a misadventure.

Consider what Nicholas Angelos experienced when he tried to get a refund for ticketing fees erroneously charged by …