Worst Travel Scams
The costliest rip-offs can come from legitimate businesses. Here's what to watch for.
Illustration by Andre da Loba
Every sector of the travel industry offers these disingenuous fares, but what's so remarkable is that practically all these little white lies are allowed under the law. Whether it's an airline that can quote a ticket price minus taxes, mandatory fees, and some extras that virtually every passenger wants, such as the ability to check a bag, or a hotel that's allowed to omit a mandatory charge for Internet access or a newspaper, these sneaky practices give travelers the impression that their trips will cost less than they do. Unfortunately, local, state, and federal governments often let them pull these shenanigans in broad daylight. A competent travel agent can make sure you see an "all in" price for your next vacation. (Just make sure the agent didn't get his certification from a card mill.)
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