Ombudsmen recommendations?
 

I have had a nightmare with a US based travel company, I have spoken to a lawyer (who is a family friend) and he has adviced me that instead of paying legal fees I should seek the help on a ombudsman who specilises in travel problems. I have been advised not to get into details about the case online but to write up the entire incident and submit it to an ombudsmen for help. Does anybody on this froum know any ombudsmen who could help? Thanks in advance.

No specific idea what you/your lawyer mean by an ombudsman?

I would think a simple complaint letter (not the type where you actually file a case/claim) on your lawyer friend's stationary might get their attention. I have done that for friends before - at no cost, and sometimes it gets results and sometimes - they just tell you to go pound sand.

Thansk for the reply, I should have mentioned a complaint letter has been sent to the company, the reply is nothing but lies and the company does not want to adresss any problems. Yes, was told to pound sand, to steal your words.

Well, Conde Nast Traveler has an Ombudsman program. You might try there.

Or Elliott.org which is online.

States have ombudsmen for all kinds of complaints. There's also the Better Business Bureau. Are you a US citizen?

Thanks for the helpful replies.

No, I am not a US citizen.

Chris Elliott who writes for National Geographic Traveler (I think) and participates in the Washington Post online travel chat on Mondays does ombudsman stuff for what group I have no idea and it might only be for airline related problems could be a resource.

Give 'em hell. :)

If the Ombundsman doesn't work and you believe fraud is involved I would contact the Better business Bureau, report the company to ASTA (if they're not a member that's a really bad sign) and then move on to the office of the attorney general of the state in which the purchase occurred. (Some attorney generals are just place holders, but some are very activist in terms of consumer complaints - esp if they believe there may be a pattern of problems.)

I assume you have already tried to resolve this through the credit card company in the transaction and got no satisfaction?

And if all else fails there is always Judge Judy.

Christopher Elliott is your man . . . At least for the first step. He is very widely known and has a lot of clout/influence. And if he can't help, he will point you in the right direction.

(Ombudsman is NOT an exotic concept. Dare say most Americans posting on this forum know what an Ombudsman is)

Too bad but Judge Judy got taken by the same travel company.

Send your eamil to Christopher Elliott:

[email protected]

Wish you the best - and you should report that company - but don't let your expectations of recovery get too high.