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USA Today
13 hours ago
- USA Today
Why scooters and e-bikes are the newest travel hazard you didn't see coming
Sarah Morris used to love riding an e-scooter. Until her accident. Morris, a tour guide from Seattle, lost control of her rental last year and wiped out. "The handlebars came back at me and hit me square in the face, knocking me unconscious," she remembered. "I fell to the ground and slashed my chin and forehead open on the gravel." The accident left her with 60 stitches to her head, a traumatic brain injury, and a new perspective on motorized scooters. "Now, I have zero tolerance for them," she said. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! That's becoming a popular opinion. Many major tourist destinations, such as New York, Paris and Madrid, have either banned or strictly limited e-scooters. Many more are on the verge of going scooter-free. I agree with Morris. I've traveled around the world, and there seems to be one constant: the ever-present motorized scooters and bikes on the sidewalks, weaving between pedestrians. It's time to put an end to the madness. "There are a lot of reasons travelers should remain very aware of their surroundings, but the popularity of e-bikes and scooters in tourist destinations definitely adds urgency to that," said John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, a membership program that provides air medical transport and travel security services. Flying mistakes you'll wish you didn't make; from bad seat swaps to spilled drinks How dangerous are e-bikes and scooters to tourists? Medjet has seen an uptick in transport calls related to e-bike and scooter accidents from both sides – the rider getting hurt and someone who got hit by the e-bike or scooter. A recent national study by the University of California at San Francisco found that accident rates were soaring in the United States, with e-bicycle injuries doubling every year from 2017 to 2022 and e-scooter injuries rising by 45% each year. In rare cases, the incidents can seriously injure travelers. For example, a hit-and-run with a motorized scooter in West Hollywood left one woman with a fractured skull and brain swelling. And an American visiting Sydney was struck by an e-bike while crossing a path where cycling was not allowed, sending him to the hospital with a serious brain injury. Rental companies are aware of the problems and say they are working to make their scooters safer. Lime, one of the largest scooter rental companies, told me that it's developing rider education and on-vehicle technology. It also shares its rider data with cities to determine where infrastructure improvements like protected bike lanes would be most valuable. 'Safety is at the core of our mission at Lime, and the foundation for successful micromobility programs," says Lime spokesman Jacob Tugendrajch. He noted that 99.99% of Lime trips end without any reported incident. Yet most run-ins between visitors and these new mobility devices go unreported. Even if they're just close calls or clips, they can really affect the visitor experience in that they leave people stunned and frightened. And, to be fair, it's often tourists who do it to each other. They rent an e-scooter or bike for a few hours and race it around town, sometimes taking the vehicle for a joyride on the sidewalk. What's the problem with scooters and e-bikes? So what's wrong with these popular urban mobility vehicles? Nothing – and everything. Nothing, in the sense that they are not inherently dangerous. A scooter or e-bike operated carefully in a dedicated bike lane can get you from point A to point B quickly and safely. Problem is, a mobility lane isn't always available. "In the street, e-scooter riders feel unsafe because of cars, which can easily kill an e-scooter rider," said Ralph Buehler, a professor of Urban Affairs and Planning at Virginia Tech. "On sidewalks, e-scooter riders feel that they are endangering pedestrians, and they can't move freely." But that's not all. E-bikes are bulkier and faster than conventional bikes, and they can easily reach speeds of 30 miles per hour. And the newest e-scooters, though a bit slower, are built like a tank. In the wrong hands, they're a menace to pedestrians. Tourists are afraid of e-bikes and scooters Travelers don't really think about the safety of a pedestrian walkway until they're actually standing on it. But if you ask them about the threat of scooters, they're not shy about sharing their opinions. Jenna Rose Robbins, a web consultant who lives in Los Angeles, said Miami is pretty awful when it comes to scooters. "The scooters and e-bikes are a nuisance," she said. "I was nearly hit on numerous occasions, and there was a certain lawlessness to it all -- no signs saying not to ride them on sidewalks, piles of scooters on almost every corner." Morris, the tour guide from Seattle, told me her "zero tolerance" attitude toward e-bikes and scooters wasn't just the result of her collision. Her experience of showing visitors Seattle cemented her position. "I've personally been clipped multiple times just walking down the sidewalk," she said. "Riders often don't realize that walking tours stop, move, and change direction, which leads to frequent close calls." What should you do about the dangerous streets? I'm currently in Christchurch, New Zealand, where pedestrians have to be extra careful. In fact, I just returned from a walk through town and counted three close calls – one e-bike, two scooters. They were all on the sidewalk. I asked Chris Davlantes, an emergency room physician, what to do about this problem. Davlantes, a concussion expert and senior medical director for Abbott's point of care diagnostics business, has some firsthand experience. He was recently riding an e-scooter and collided with a pedestrian who wandered into the bike lane. The pedestrian was fine, but Davlantes went airborne and suffered a concussion, bilateral nasal bone fractures, two broken bones in his right wrist and a broken finger on his left hand. "Always be attentive," he said. "Especially when crossing the street at an intersection – and even if you have the right of way." Read between the lines: Stay off your phone and watch where you're going. Never step into the bike lane unless you first look both ways. And be aware that e-bikes and scooters are fast and heavy – and very quiet. He added that if you're in an accident and hit your head, you should get checked out even if you feel OK. "When it comes to concussions, it's never best to wait and see," he warned. "For your best chance at a full recovery, seek professional medical help immediately." The sidewalk should be off-limits to e-bikes and scooters But what about the problem of e-bikes and scooters on the sidewalk? If you're traveling anywhere this summer, you should assume that you'll be sharing the pedestrian walkway with fast-moving vehicles, and they won't always be on their best behavior. This is not a difficult problem, and it's not a controversial solution. These vehicles should never be allowed on the sidewalk, ever. And e-bikes should probably be on the road, since they are practically mopeds, anyway. I used to think pickpockets and tourist traps were the biggest threats to visitors, but those are usually easy to avoid. E-bikes and scooters, not so much. Be careful out there. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
USA Today
06-06-2025
- USA Today
Yes, your vacation behavior can get you arrested: What travelers regret most
Yes, your vacation behavior can get you arrested: What travelers regret most Show Caption Hide Caption Preparing for summer air travel? Here's what we know now Summer travel is always busy, but there are tips on how to avoid unnecessary flight issues. Here's what we know now. Tourists are increasingly engaging in illegal or disrespectful behavior while on vacation. Many travelers are unaware of local laws and customs, leading to unintentional violations. A sense of entitlement and the pandemic's impact have contributed to the rise in poor tourist behavior. What's the worst thing you've ever done on vacation? Austin Rulfs said he's still embarrassed about his recent visit to a Balinese temple. He was wearing a T-shirt and tattered shorts. The locals stared at him with disapproval. "I underestimated how strict they are about respecting sacred areas," said Rulfs, a financial consultant from Adelaide, Australia. With summer vacation season just ahead, how about you? Travelers do all kinds of things on vacation that they later regret. A recent survey found that, like Rulfs, almost one-third of tourists (32%) have done something similar, like posing inappropriately with a statue. And 42% admit to breaking the law. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! "Breaking the law in other countries carries important consequences," said Alex Thompson, CEO of Legaroo, a company that offers international legal assistance plans to travelers. "You can't defend yourself by claiming that you're a foreigner." Of course, the list of tourist misdeeds is long. You can see visitors spray-painting tourist attractions in the Canary Islands, mocking local customs in Dubai and carving their initials into the side of Japanese shrines. Their shenanigans go far beyond an occasional faux pas. It's often criminal behavior – some of it so unspeakably bizarre that I can't even write about it. How do you avoid cleaning fees? Why more companies are charging travelers Are more tourists breaking the law on vacation? Let's just say tourists haven't been on their best behavior lately. "There's been an increase in poor behavior," said Charlie Neville, the marketing director for Jayway Travel. "Many regret their actions when they realize the harm caused – like swimming in Venice's canals or damaging historic landmarks. The worst part is often when tourists don't care they're the strangers there, acting entitled and demanding, especially in groups." Breaking local laws is not hard. Matt Little was driving in Florence when he inadvertently entered a Zona Traffico Limitato – one of Italy's infamous restricted traffic zones. "I was blissfully unaware that the area was off-limits to most vehicles," he recalled. A few weeks later, he got an $80 fine in the mail. "I couldn't help but regret not having done my homework on the local driving regulations," said Little, who runs a lighting company. Not all lawbreaking results in fines, said Alex Andreichuk, the CEO of Altezza Travel, a tour operator based in Tanzania. "Some tourists engage in behaviors that may seem more innocent, such as sitting on monuments or changing clothes in public spaces," he said. "These acts reflect a lack of social and cultural education." It's surprising how often people use the "I'm a tourist!" excuse – and when that doesn't work, it's, "I demand to speak with the embassy." (FYI, the embassy can't break you out of jail. It will send you a list of overpriced attorneys and contact your family. But you'll need to talk to someone like Thompson over at Legaroo if you want help.) Why is this happening? There's a reason why tourists are doing unspeakably terrible things when they travel. "Some people bring a sense of entitlement along with them on their vacations," explained Nick Leighton, host of the etiquette podcast "Were You Raised By Wolves?" "This can often be an attitude of, 'I'm paying for this, so I can do whatever I want,' and this can lead to all sorts of inappropriate behavior." Experts say the pandemic made the problem worse because many people felt they had nothing to lose after that. The evidence, said Leighton, is in the gift shops frequented by tourists – you know, the ones with the off-color T-shirts and coffee mugs. "You wonder, 'Who buys these things?,'" he said. "Well, the nature of being away from home can make even the most level-headed and sane person lose all sense of judgment and reason." I've broken a few laws, too, but they're minor. When I lived in Dublin, I did a lot of jaywalking. If you've been to Dublin, you probably know why. (Fines reportedly range from about $800 for a first offense to three months in prison for repeat offenders.) In my defense, the traffic lights are a little wacky and in some cases, there isn't enough time to cross the street even if you wait for a green light. But still, I probably shouldn't have done that. Sorry. It's easy to break the law, but it's a bad idea It's easy to violate rules and customs when you're out of the country. Heck, it's even easier when you stay in your own country. Your loud music at the beach could violate local noise ordinances. The trash you leave behind could break waste management laws. And that new string bikini you can't wait to try out just might be a violation of decency laws. And if I have to tell you that carving your initials into the side of a shrine or spray-painting a monument is wrong, there's not much this column can do to fix that. John Gobbels, chief operating officer of Medjet, says you have to understand the law, and the legal process in whatever country you're visiting. For example, chewing gum in Singapore is against the law. Bringing a satellite device into India can get you into trouble. "You may think a law is stupid or not serious, but it is a law and being arrested in a foreign country may not be what you expect," he added. A medical evacuation membership like Medjet can offer legal support, but at the very least, carry a phone number for the nearest embassy – just in case. "My advice for anyone thinking of breaking the law," said Lisa Mirza Grotts, author of the book 'A Traveler's Passport to Etiquette in a Post-Pandemic World': "Don't." But there's also a takeaway: No matter how careful you are, you might accidentally break a rule when you're away. It's bound to happen sooner or later. My best advice: Know how to apologize. Learn how to do it in the native language, whether it's a "désolé" in Paris or a "sumimasen" in Kyoto. A sincere apology is often enough to get you out of a tight spot. If you're on vacation somewhere and are thinking of doing something illegal – or that could be illegal – take a moment. Do you really want to end up as an anecdote in one of my stories? Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
Car shaming is real: What to do if someone criticizes your gas-powered vehicle
Car shaming is real: What to do if someone criticizes your gas-powered vehicle Show Caption Hide Caption Tech for travel: Get help finding a rental car, campsite Planning a summer vacation? These apps and sites can help you find a car or RV rental, available campsites and info on your destination's mask rules. Jennifer Jolly, Special to USA TODAY Car shaming, the act of criticizing others for driving gas-powered vehicles, is on the rise amidst growing environmental concerns and the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. While some car shaming incidents involve vandalism, most consist of verbal confrontations fueled by differing opinions on vehicle choices. Experts suggest responding to car shamers with grace, deflecting criticism by showing interest in their EV experiences, and avoiding escalating the confrontation. There's nothing like a road trip this summer – if you can get past the shame of it. Shame? Yeah, the shame of driving a gas-powered vehicle. "Car-shamers want everyone to buy an EV," said Matt Deter, who works for an industrial machinery company in Rocklin, California. Deter, who drives a gas-powered Porsche Cayenne, is put off by efforts to ban gas vehicles in California. He said EV technology isn't quite ready for prime time. He is also troubled by activists and EV drivers who call out people who continue to drive cheaper and more reliable gas cars. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! It's as if they're trying to turn one of the great American traditions, the summer road trip, into a guilt trip. And this summer, driving vacations have never been more popular. AAA predicts a record 34.9 million drivers will be on the road this Memorial Day weekend, an increase of 3% from last year. But what is car shaming, and why is it happening this summer? Also, what should you do if someone tries to car-shame you? Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it. Will this be the summer of car shaming? Car shaming is as old as modern electric vehicles – and probably older. "Car shaming often comes from growing social pressure and shifting views on sustainability," explained Carla Bevins, who teaches business management communication at Carnegie Mellon University's Tepper School of Business. "As more people become aware of environmental issues, some feel strongly about encouraging greener choices, which can sometimes result in criticizing others' decisions." Before EVs, car shaming was more of a "tsk-tsk" attitude dished out by a nosy neighbor or your in-law. ("Do you really need that much car?") But with the advent of EVs, it acquired more of an edge. Car shaming hit an inflection point in 2022, when a group of Gen Z activists calling themselves the Tyre Extinguishers began deflating the tires of SUVs with the goal of making it impossible to own "a huge polluting 4x4 in the world's urban areas." Lately, it has taken to spray-painting the SUVs. Car shaming became more complicated this year as Tesla CEO Elon Musk took on a more political role in the U.S. However, even as Tesla fell out of favor with some drivers, the fundamentals of car shaming remained. No one systematically tracks the number of car-shaming incidents. But anecdotal evidence suggests there have been more flare-ups in recent years, as environmentally minded EV owners square off against more traditional motorists at gas stations and in parking lots. Anyone driving a large vehicle like an SUV or a specialty vehicle seems most vulnerable to being shamed. Why is car shaming happening? People are quick to judge, said psychology professor Thomas Plante. That's happening more in a polarized political climate. Gas-guzzling pickup trucks are emblematic of red states; overpriced EVs are icons of blue states. (And never mind that the guy who made EVs a household word is himself, well, not a blue stater. But I digress.) "Also, people always look for ways to justify their own behavior," he added. "And so if someone buys an EV, for example – and perhaps spends time and extra money to do so – then they want to justify their own decision by criticizing others who made a different decision." So, there's a lot behind car shaming. It's politics. It's money. But what about the environment? What's it like to be car-shamed? In case it's never happened to you, here's what car shaming is like: Last summer, Stephanie Edenburgh was driving her Toyota Highlander in San Diego, where she runs a small publishing company. Another customer looked at her SUV and noticed the kids in the back. "Don't you care about your kids' future?" the customer asked. Edenburgh said nothing. Mushfiq Sarker drives a Honda Civic, and he also experienced car shaming. "Last month, I posted some photos on Instagram from a road trip," recalled Sarker, the CEO of a digital marketing agency in Dallas. "My Civic was parked by a scenic overlook, and I thought it was a fun moment to share. Shortly after, someone commented, 'Why are you still driving gas?" At first, he dismissed the comment. But then he started to wonder. Are gas vehicles not good enough for summer road trips? "I think car shaming is becoming more common because EVs are seen as a moral choice, not just a practical one," Edenburgh told me. "With the rise in EV sales and their increasing affordability, there's a growing expectation that everyone should switch to one. However, this mindset can ignore the fact that many families, like mine, need larger vehicles or can't yet afford an EV." How to handle a car shamer Car shamers come in several varieties. Let's start with the easy ones. If you see someone trying to deflate your tires or spray paint your car, call the police. But if someone confronts you about driving a gas-powered vehicle, here's what you can do: Be gracious : Many car-shamers feel they're performing a valuable public service by calling out polluters. Unfortunately, they fail to take into account the personal circumstances of the person driving a gas-powered vehicle. (Mostly, EVs are more expensive and often impractical because of range limitations and lack of charging infrastructure.) Still, it's worth thanking them for the feedback, however misguided. : Many car-shamers feel they're performing a valuable public service by calling out polluters. Unfortunately, they fail to take into account the personal circumstances of the person driving a gas-powered vehicle. (Mostly, EVs are more expensive and often impractical because of range limitations and lack of charging infrastructure.) Still, it's worth thanking them for the feedback, however misguided. Deflect the criticism : Usually, car shamers feel they have the right to wag their fingers at you because they think they've made a superior choice in transportation. So play along. Ask them how they get around. What's it like to drive an EV? Chances are, they'll want to tell you, and you can avoid an argument. : Usually, car shamers feel they have the right to wag their fingers at you because they think they've made a superior choice in transportation. So play along. Ask them how they get around. What's it like to drive an EV? Chances are, they'll want to tell you, and you can avoid an argument. Don't get into a fight : Plante, who teaches psychology at Santa Clara University, said there's no need to escalate a confrontation by defending your choice to drive a gas-powered car. "Instead, respond with respect and compassion," he said. That means thanking them for the feedback – and then driving away. : Plante, who teaches psychology at Santa Clara University, said there's no need to escalate a confrontation by defending your choice to drive a gas-powered car. "Instead, respond with respect and compassion," he said. That means thanking them for the feedback – and then driving away. I'll switch when I'm good and ready I know what you're thinking: What about you, wiseguy? Do you drive an EV? Actually, no. As a travel journalist who is on the road almost constantly, I don't even own a car. I take whatever transportation is available at the time, whether it's a tuk-tuk in Siem Reap or a gondola in Venice. I love road trips, and when I go on them, I rent the best car for the drive. Until now, that's always been one with an internal combustion engine. I'd like to see that change, and I think we're near an inflection point where it could change – and maybe where it should change. But deflating my tires and defacing my car won't speed up the change, nor will shaming me. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here's what to do about it.
Are airlines tightening their carry-on luggage rules? Passengers like Eddie Cannon believe the answer is "yes." Cannon was flying from St. Louis to Atlanta on Delta Air Lines when a flight attendant ordered him to store his carry-on bag under the seat in front of him. "I didn't have room for my feet," he said. Instead, he tried to place his bag in the overhead bin. He said the attendant stopped him and told him that if he didn't comply, he would be removed from the flight. Cannon is no loose cannon. He's a vice president of an artificial intelligence company and knows how to behave on a plane. Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! Cannon complained to Delta and to the Department of Transportation, which regulates airlines. In response, Delta said its request to put carry-ons where your legs normally go is to maintain an on-time departure and to leave room in the overhead bins for other luggage. "Thank you for your thoughts on this matter, which will be shared with our in-flight services leadership team in order to improve our service where it's needed," it added. He also received 15,000 bonus miles as an apology. But Cannon wonders about the stricter carry-on rules. "Are they trying to make more money on checked baggage?" Are seat assignment fees a scam? Here's when to pay up, and when to walk away It's no secret that airlines make billions of dollars a year on checked luggage. It's also no secret that they're always looking for ways to increase their revenues. Sometimes, government regulators can become their unwitting accomplices. Last fall, European regulators considered limiting the maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage to 21.6 inches x 15.7 inches x 7.8 inches and 17.6 pounds. The move is meant to improve the boarding process, but it will probably also improve the airline industry's profits. There have been reports suggesting that U.S. carriers are seeing the new rule as an opening to further restrict carry-on luggage – and potentially increase income from checked luggage fees. Delta said it has not changed its carry-on rules, but that they may be enforced differently depending on the circumstances. "Due to weight and balance on certain flights, crew members may ask customers to place smaller, personal items under their seat," a representative told me. If you want a preview of things to come, try booking an airline ticket on a discount airline in Australia or Asia. As I discovered on a recent visit, gate agents there are already super-strict about size and weight limits. They weigh and size everything. If you go over even a smidge, you'll have to repack – or pay extra. "I'm so upset about this," said Jack Ezon, who runs the luxury travel agency Embark Beyond. He stopped checking his bags a decade ago because he doesn't trust airlines with his belongings. In his view, the way to improve luggage revenue is to stop losing passengers' luggage, not by forcing them to downsize their carry-ons. But it's not the only way. ◾Don't overpack: I know this is obvious, but the best way to avoid any trouble with your carry-on bag is to comply with the published rules. Don't take any chances. Make sure your carry-on fits the smallest standards, which in your case will probably be the new European ones. Your bag should easily fit in every template and pass every weight test. Obey the rules and you won't need any of these other tips. But you might still need help because frankly, the new carry-on restrictions are a little bit restrictive. People have more stuff. How do you get it past the authorities? ◾Pack smarter – smarter: It's not enough to pack less and lighter, said travel agent Maria LaDuca. You have to start thinking about the optics. If you're a couple, you probably each carry your own bag on a plane. It makes sense to keep things separate. But in an era of stricter carry-ons, you have to think differently. "If you're traveling with someone, spread out the heavier stuff," LaDuca advises. I do this too when I'm traveling with my adult son. If my bag is a little heavier and his is a little lighter, we strategically repack at the airport to avoid the luggage police. ◾Make them look the other way: A kind word at the ticket counter can distract a ticket agent from spotting your XL carry-on. I've seen it, and I've also used it, and it works. "The first thing I do is to greet the counter staff and ask how they are doing," said Y. Murat Ozguc, a frequent traveler who runs a tour operator in Turkey. "I've never had a problem with a few additional kilos." ◾Be discreet: That's the recommendation of Justin Crabbe, who said backpacks are perfect for squeezing past stricter carry-on rules. He says the latest backpacks can do more with less – they're made of ultralight materials and modular, adaptable designs. But mostly, a black backpack worn during the check-in process is practically invisible to a ticket agent – even one that's slightly too big or too heavy. It just blends in. "Pack in a way that maximizes space and minimizes waste," added Crabbe, a frequent flier who is also the CEO of a private jet company. "Use compression cubes. Limit toiletries to travel sizes." ◾There's a silver lining: The changes are not all bad. While airlines will undoubtedly make more money off the extra luggage their passengers will check, they will also improve the flying experience. "These measures are pivotal for optimizing boarding speed, managing the limited overhead bin space, and ensuring safety by preventing cabin overcrowding," notes Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection. Caitlin Higgins, a frequent traveler who works for an interior design site in Los Angeles, recently experienced the benefits on a flight from Sydney to Wellington, New Zealand. "It was my fastest international boarding experience," she recalls. "I'm happy that folks are no longer holding up boarding as they struggle to lift and shove their oversized carry-ons into too-small bins." Of course, there was also a downside. The luggage cops flagged her "tiny" carry-on and forced her to check it. She'd better get used to it. We all had better get used to it. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are carry-on crackdowns coming? Your next flight might cost you more.
USA Today
25-04-2025
- USA Today
Are you the world's worst hotel guest? Here's how to tell (and redeem yourself)
Are you the world's worst hotel guest? Here's how to tell (and redeem yourself) Show Caption Hide Caption The myth of travel hacks, debunked There's no secret formula for cheap flights. Here's the truth about travel "hacks." Cruising Altitude Inconsiderate hotel guests disrupt other travelers with excessive noise and disregard for hotel rules. Guests should be mindful of hallway conversations, especially during quiet hours. Three questions to ask yourself to avoid being a bad hotel guest: Are you violating house rules? Are you getting extra attention from staff? Would your behavior be unacceptable outside the hotel? A few hours after Matt Rogers checked into his hotel in Dallas, he heard rhythmic grunting noises outside his door. They were coming from one of the worst hotel guests ever. "He was doing his workout in the hallway," recalled Rogers. "It was really obnoxious." Check out Elliott Confidential, the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone! Rogers knows a thing or two about working out – he's a personal trainer himself – but he said there's a time and a place for it. The guest should have headed to the hotel gym, which was open at the time. But, for heaven's sake, keep it down in the hallway. That's not the worst of it: Apparently, the obnoxious hotel guest was totally unaware that he was being, well, so obnoxious. How can hotel guests be so annoying? Annoying hotel guests will be front and center again this summer as Americans embark on their annual vacations. They'll make noise, trash rooms, ignore the house rules and irritate other travelers. And, like the guy working out in Rogers' hallway, they'll have no idea that they are the world's worst hotel guests. "They forget that they're not in their own living room," said Rachel Wagner, an etiquette expert. "If they're with family members or sports team members for an event, it's easy and natural to continue conversations down the hall after getting off the elevator, forgetting that others may have an early morning flight and are trying to sleep." My pet peeve is hotel guests who think they're shooting an adult movie next door. Look, if you're going to make the kind of noise that keeps the neighbors up all night, maybe you should wait until you get home. Just a suggestion. It turns out there's a litmus test – three simple questions – that will help you know if you're a bad guest. I'll also tell you how to be a good guest. And if you think it's too late for you, I have some hopeful news. I'll get to that in a sec. How to tell if you're the world's worst hotel guest So here we are, having to do something your parents should have taught you. I'm about to reveal how you can know if you're the world's worst hotel guest. (OK, technically, I'm going to defer to my expert sources.) Here are the questions you should ask: ▶ Are you violating any of the house rules? Hotels post house rules and will often share them with you when you check in. For example, they'll tell you when it's check-out time – usually noon. They'll tell you what's allowed in your room and what isn't (no parties, no weapons). They'll also disclose the hotel's "quiet" hours. And, of course, stealing is never allowed. "Simple acts like lowering your voice in common areas can make a big difference," said Raymond Yorke, a spokesman for Redpoint Travel Protection. If you're not following the rules, chances are you're a bad hotel guest. ▶ Are you getting a lot of attention from the hotel staff? "You can know you are a bad guest if the hotel's staff are paying extra attention to you, more than any other guests," said Sarah Bajc, owner of Camaroncito EcoResort & Beach, an all-inclusive eco-resort on the Caribbean coast of Panama. "They will be checking in with you more proactively, ensuring you are OK." Wait, isn't that what hotels are supposed to do with guests – take good care of them? "Most good guests are self-sufficient and happy to ask for something without being needy," said Bajc. Good to know. ▶ Are you doing something that would be unacceptable outside the hotel? Here's a fact: Paying for a hotel room doesn't give you the right to do whatever you want. Brenda Beltrán remembers a recent hotel stay in Madrid with a particularly difficult guest. He yelled into his phone while walking down the hallway. He made bizarre complaints about the hotel vibrating. And he demanded extra pillows be delivered to his room – then berated the staff for interrupting him when they delivered the cushions. "He made everyone tense," recalled Beltrán, who works for a telecommunications company. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, chances are you're a bad hotel guest. So, how are you supposed to behave? For the answer, I turned to Wagner, our etiquette expert. How an etiquette professional behaves at a hotel Wagner shared her experience during a 13-night stay at a Hilton property in Fort Lauderdale, where she was caring for her husband as he recuperated from surgery. Her approach to being a good guest is simple yet effective: be courteous, thoughtful, and respectful. 'I try to be respectful when checking in or when I need something," Wagner explained. "I don't request housekeeping every day – only every two to three days. I leave dirty towels in a neatly folded stack on the bathroom floor, not strewn around. And I leave a tip on the pillow each day that housekeeping is provided, usually $4 to $5.' But it's not just about the room or the tipping. Wagner makes it a point to acknowledge the hard work of the housekeeping staff whenever she encounters them. 'When I see housekeeping staff in the hallway, I always smile and say, 'Good morning, have a great day.' They work hard, and I want them to feel valued and appreciated. It's a small thing, but it can make a big difference,' she said. Even if you're the worst hotel guest ever, there's still hope If you feel like you've already crossed the line into bad guest territory, don't worry. There's hope for you. Take, for instance, the story of Nick Burchill, also known as the worst hotel guest ever. Burchill had opened his window and left boxes of pepperoni pizza in his hotel room at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia. It attracted a flock of hungry seagulls that tore into the takeout and defaced his room. After the incident, the hotel banned him for life. Burchill wrote an apology to the hotel 17 years later. "I have matured and I admit responsibility for my actions," he said. "I come to you, hat-in-hand, to apologize for the damage I had indirectly come to cause and to ask you to reconsider my lifetime ban from the property." The Fairmont lifted his ban. So, if you've been a bit of a Burchill in the past, don't worry. Just remember to be polite, follow the rules, and treat the hotel staff with respect. And maybe, don't leave the pizza out where the seagulls can find it. Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes Elliott Confidential, a travel newsletter, and the Elliott Report, a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can reach him here or email him at chris@
