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.

Airlines sue travel clubs for appropriating logos

January 28, 2024September 7, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

It starts with a postcard saying that you’ve won an airline ticket. To collect your prize, you have to attend a brief presentation.

"Safety first" may be the American travel industry's unofficial slogan, but for some travelers, it's more like "Me first!"

What to do about knee offenders and other “me first” passengers

January 28, 2024September 6, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

“Safety first” may be the American travel industry’s unofficial slogan, but for some travelers, it’s more like “Me first!”

He uses frequent flier miles to pay for a return flight to the United States from Australia. Insurance company is balking at a refund.

Does insurance cover my frequent flier miles?

January 28, 2024September 5, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

He uses frequent flier miles to pay for a return flight to the United States from Australia. Insurance company is balking at a refund.

This Frigidaire doesn’t refrigerate – why won’t my warranty work?

January 10, 2026September 4, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Lisa Veyka’s Frigidaire air conditioner stops working just before a hot holiday weekend. Why won’t anyone help her?

Hey United, where’s the refund you promised for our rental car?

January 28, 2024September 2, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Rachel Hall and her husband needed to fly United from San Francisco to Portland, Maine, for a wedding. They made it as far as Newark.

Broke bride wants a $3,000 refund from Hilton — should I help her?

January 28, 2024September 1, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Before getting married in her hometown of Santa Rosa, Calif. Hilton hotel, she made hotel arrangements for some of the guests.

Why are airlines raking in record profits? Maybe they’re monetizing your personal data without your explicit consent.

Are airlines profiting at your expense?

September 7, 2025August 31, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Why are airlines raking in record profits? Maybe they’re monetizing your personal data without your explicit consent.

I'm all in favor of smart travel strategies, but there's a difference between being an enlightened passenger and being a liar.

Is travel hacking smart – or unethical?

January 28, 2024August 30, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

I’m all in favor of smart travel strategies, but there’s a difference between being an enlightened passenger and being a liar.

When Kristen Nordlund’s American Airlines flight is canceled, she’s promised a refund. But it never arrives. What now?

Hey American Airlines, where’s the refund for my canceled flight?

January 28, 2024August 29, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

When Kristen Nordlund’s American Airlines flight is canceled, she’s promised a refund. But it never arrives. What now?

Lisa Littlewood is overbilled by Verizon Wireless and it won't adjust her invoice. Why not?Verizon Wireless' "global" plan overcharged me.

Help! Verizon Wireless’ “global” plan overcharged me

January 28, 2024August 28, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Lisa Littlewood is overbilled by Verizon Wireless and it won’t adjust her invoice. Why not?Verizon Wireless’ “global” plan overcharged me.