Travelers are fuming at car rental companies. Prices are up, cleaning fees and vague surcharges are multiplying, and in some cases, service feels worse than ever. The result: a new kind of “car rental rage.”
I’m reporting on how this anger is showing up. Are customers retaliating by driving recklessly, returning vehicles dirty or damaged, or booking reservations they don’t intend to keep? Have you seen examples of renters bending or breaking the rules to get back at the companies?
I’d also like to hear from the other side. If you work in the rental car industry, are you noticing more hostile interactions at the counter, an uptick in complaints, or even more aggressive behavior toward staff and property? How are companies responding when frustration spills over into destructive or disruptive behavior?
And from both sides, I'd love to get your advice on this issue. What's the best way to avoid leaving your next rental angry?
The Department of Transportation just dropped a proposed rule that would have required airlines to compensate U.S. travelers for delayed flights. Behind the scenes, the airline industry is lobbying to undo even more consumer protections — from refund requirements to fee disclosures.
I'm researching a story about which rules are most at risk of being rolled back, and what travelers can do to protect themselves if airlines get their way.
I'm looking for air travelers who’ve already felt the sting of weakened protections. Maybe it was a delayed refund, being forced to accept a credit, or a surprise airline fee. I'm interested in hearing your personal stories about what happens when rules vanish and passengers are left to fend for themselves.
For industry experts, I'd love to know which DOT regulations are most vulnerable. How would repealing these rules affect travelers? And what steps can consumers take now to safeguard themselves?
If you’ve experienced any of this, I'd love to hear your story.