Christopher Elliott | The Seattle Times

Seats in the economy class cabin of a Boeing Co. 737 Max 8 aircraft, operated by Singapore Airlines Ltd., during a media event hosted by the airline at the JetQuay CIP Terminal of Changi Airport in Singapore, on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021. Singapore Airlines unveiled its first new cabin offering in more than three years after spending S$230 million ($170 million) on the design and installation of seats on its 154-seat Boeing Co. 737 Max planes. Photographer: Ore Huiying/Bloomberg

June 5, 2023 at 6:00 am

How to avoid airline seat selection fees

Airlines charging travelers to choose their seats isn't a new practice, but these extra fees are only getting more expensive, writes travel expert Christopher Elliott.

An illustration of six passengers seated in four rows of airplane seats.

May 29, 2023 at 6:00 am

Is it OK to recline your airplane seat? You might not like the answer

There's a growing consensus that leaning back is a no-no in most cases, but not all passengers agree, writes travel expert Christopher Elliott.

May 22, 2023 at 6:00 am

Should disruptive travelers be banned from flying?

With the busy summer travel season right around the corner, Congress is considering a nationwide no-fly list for unruly passengers.

The U.S. Travel Association predicts summer 2023 will be a “stress test” for the air travel system. (Illustration by Christopher Elliott)

May 15, 2023 at 6:00 am

Get ready for summer airport delays, travel industry experts say

Between flight delays, potential weather complications and staffing shortages, another air travel meltdown is likely ahead, writes Christopher Elliott.

Automation is spreading quickly across the travel industry amid the AI revolution, writes Christopher Elliott. (Illustration courtesy of Christopher Elliott)

May 8, 2023 at 6:00 am

Travelers aren’t sold on ChatGPT, automation at home or the airport

Automation and chatbots are spreading quickly across the travel industry, eliminating human customer service amid the AI revolution, writes Christopher Elliott.

From travel industry staff shortages to refund request backlogs, there are many reasons getting your money back on flights, cruises and hotels is taking longer than usual, Christopher Elliott writes. (Illustration by Christopher Elliott)

May 1, 2023 at 6:00 am

Why are travel refunds taking so long lately?

While getting money back on flights, cruises and hotels may not be easy, travel expert Christopher Elliott offers several strategies to get a refund quickly.

April 24, 2023 at 6:00 am

Expect the unexpected for the 2023 travel season

As vacationers weigh their upcoming plans against economic worries and fatigue, anything could happen, writes Christopher Elliott.

April 17, 2023 at 6:00 am

Waited too long to get a passport? Here’s what to do

Although it typically takes only a few weeks to get a passport, the pandemic and unprecedented demand has extended wait times, writes Christopher Elliott.

Unclaimed bags sit idle at the United baggage area at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on December 28, 2022. Winter storms that swept through the Pacific Northwest continue to impact travel, causing scores of flight delays and cancellations

April 10, 2023 at 6:00 am

Can I get a refund on my unneeded extra luggage?

After overpaying an airline for additional checked bags, a reader asks our travel expert to help her recoup the fees.

Between soaring airfares, hotel understaffing and COVID outbreaks, many travelers are worried about needing a vacation do-over if the worst happens.

April 3, 2023 at 6:00 am

If travel plans go wrong, can you get a vacation do-over?

Amid soaring airfare costs, staffing shortages and COVID outbreaks, many vacationers want a redo — but there's a right way to request one, writes Christopher...