Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

It’s time to learn the ABCs of smart travel

December 14, 2023October 16, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

A year is not 365 days — at least not if you’re flying.

Trip Mate cuts it close with definition of “pre-existing” condition

February 6, 2024October 15, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

It doesn’t take much to incite the commenters on this site to recommend travel insurance. And while it’s true that a good insurance policy can protect your vacation investment, there are always exceptions like John Yuken.

Which presidential candidate will be better for consumers?

February 6, 2024October 15, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a safe topic for Saturday morning: With only a few days before the presidential election, how do the candidates feel about you, the American consumer?

Hotels.com left us waiting in the rain for our room

December 15, 2023October 15, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Gail Jaworski’s room isn’t ready when she and her husband arrive in Barcelona, Spain, and they’re left waiting in the rain. Although they eventually check in, she wonders: Who’s responsible for this late check-in?

Why hotels are happy to accommodate guest requests — up to a point

February 6, 2024October 13, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

When Jim Reid checks into a Westin hotel, he inevitably catches a whiff of a “woody cedar and vanilla” scent called White Tea. It’s a pleasant smell to most guests, but not to him.

My grocery store rebate is missing in action — can you help me retrieve it?

February 6, 2024October 13, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

When Melissa Drozdowski’s MillerCoors grocery rebate never arrives, she considers taking legal action against the company. Can a consumer advocate fix this — or should she file a lawsuit?

Can’t go to Florida — can I get back my fare saver code from Southwest Airlines?

February 6, 2024October 12, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

James Cheung’s family vacation is washed out because of Hurricane Matthew. So is his Southwest Airlines 50-percent discount that he received after this summer’s IT meltdown. Can our advocacy team recover it?

There’s a hurricane coming, but Spirit Airlines has a hand out

February 6, 2024October 12, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

With Hurricane Matthew bearing down on South Carolina, Brenda Williams has to cancel her vacation. Why won’t Spirit Airlines offer her a full refund?

Let’s ban emotional-support animals from the skies

February 6, 2024October 11, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Is it time to ground emotional-support animals for good?

These travel hacks just don’t work (so don’t even try)

February 6, 2024October 10, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Philip Pragados thought he’d discovered a perfect travel hack: sharing his TSA PreCheck number, also called a “Known Traveler Number,” with a friend.