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.

William had an issue with as Dollar Rent A Car demanded payment for unspecified damages despite an indication that damage was pre-existing

I rented a damaged car from Dollar — why should I have to pay?

January 31, 2024January 19, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

William Hicks rents a car from Dollar with a ding in it. Now it wants to charge him for the damage. But it can’t prove he did it. Should he pay, anyway?

Amanda was "very upset" after her United Airlines flight from Honolulu to the Marshall Islands was canceled because of a sick crewmember.

Did United offer me compensation for a rough night in the ballroom?

January 22, 2024January 18, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Amanda Ellis says she was “very upset” after her United Airlines flight from Honolulu to the Marshall Islands was canceled because of a sick crewmember.

Ben tried to price-match merchandise at a Target store. He read the price match policy online, and was sure it was eligible. But was denied.

Is Target’s price-match guarantee an empty promise?

January 22, 2024January 17, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Ben Blout thinks Target will price-match his holiday merchandise. Target has other ideas. Who is right?

Ben Coleman and his wife had purchased nonrefundable roundtrip tickets on US Airways for just under $1,000.

US Airways tells customer her cancer isn’t terminal enough for a refund

January 22, 2024January 15, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Ben Coleman and his wife were supposed to fly from New York to Oakland last November on US Airways. The couple had purchased nonrefundable roundtrip tickets on US Airways for just under $1,000.

The long-rumored merger between American Airlines and US Airways appeared to move a step closer early this month.

Is an American – US Airways merger good for air travelers?

January 22, 2024January 13, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Do you suffer from upgrade guilt when you fly in first class? You probably do -- and if you don’t, you should.

3 tips for handling upgrade guilt

January 22, 2024January 11, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Do you suffer from upgrade guilt when you fly in first class? You probably do — and if you don’t, you should.

Carol Blue bought a Samsung washer/dryer, thinking it had steam-dry technology, only to find out it didn't.

My washer/dryer is a few features short — do I deserve a partial refund?

January 22, 2024January 10, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Carol Blue’s Samsung washer/dryer doesn’t come with all the features she’s promised. Should she get some of her money back?

If you don't want to walk through a poorly tested full-body scanner you still have the right to opt out and submit to an "enhanced" pat-down.

3 troubling ways the TSA punishes passengers who opt out

January 22, 2024January 9, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

If you don’t want to walk through a poorly tested full-body scanner you still have the right to opt out and submit to an “enhanced” pat-down.

I've read your columns frequently over the past several years and always wondered if I'd ever need your help. Well that day has come.

Hey, where’s that refund on my all-inclusive vacation?

January 22, 2024January 5, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Matthew Del Bontago finds a better price on his seven-day, all-inclusive vacation and cancels his initial reservation. But more than eight weeks later there’s no refund. What’s taking so long?

An uncomfortable night at the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites. How do you say "I'm sorry" for a really bad hotel stay?

An uncomfortable night at the Comfort Suites

January 22, 2024January 4, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

An uncomfortable night at the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites. How do you say “I’m sorry” for a really bad hotel stay?