Why Travel Rewards Programs Feel Worse Than Ever Now
Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY on April 5, 2026
Airlines now earn more profit from loyalty programs than from flying planes — and that tells you everything about whose interests these programs actually serve.
Hidden Fees and Dirty Cars Spark a Wave of ‘Car Rental Rage’
Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY on March 31, 2026
Hidden charges, dirty vehicles and aggressive upselling are fueling a new kind of consumer fury.
That $67 Flight Might Cost More Than You Think
Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY on March 9, 2026
While ultra-cheap flights may seem like a bargain, travelers often fail to see the hidden costs that make low prices possible.
Travel Is Getting Too Expensive. Americans Are Hitting a Breaking Point.
Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY on February 17, 2026
Rising fares, hotel rates and surprise fees have made travel increasingly unaffordable for many Americans, with costs up 23% since 2019 and younger travelers especially likely to delay or skip trips.
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