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.

Stewart Sheinfeld, a reader from Chicago who is flying to Morelia, Mexico, on the discount airline Volaris.

This summer, airlines are taking “ridiculous” to the next level

January 12, 2025June 13, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you hear from someone like Stewart Sheinfeld, a reader from Chicago who is flying to Morelia, Mexico, on the discount airline Volaris.

Rules of getting better customer service is keeping meticulous records. When you’re booking online, a screen shot of the purchase.

So you have a screen shot of your Expedia booking — so what?

January 22, 2024June 12, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

One of the cardinal rules of getting better customer service is keeping meticulous records. When you’re booking online, a screen shot of the purchase is your trump card.

If you didn’t know any better, you might think that the airline industry crossed yet another line just before the Memorial Day holiday, the traditional start of the busy summer travel season.

Are new airline fees anti-family?

January 22, 2024June 9, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

If you didn’t know any better, you might think that the airline industry crossed yet another line just before the Memorial Day holiday, the traditional start of the busy summer travel season.

About a half-hour into our outbound flight, we were told that the landing gear did not come up and that we had to return to O'Hare.

Nothing says “I’m sorry” like airline miles

January 22, 2024June 8, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Renata Fidman’s outbound flight is delayed because of mechanical problems, so is her return flight. The compensation? A form letter and a few frequent flier miles. Is it enough?

Just in case you thought my recent critique of the car rental industry’s damage claims practices was over the top.

Budget threatens customer with lawsuit, garnishment after he questions damage claim

January 24, 2025June 7, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Just in case you thought my recent critique of the car rental industry’s damage claims practices was over the top — and I assure you, it wasn’t — let me introduce you to Jonathan Kiluk.

Last month, I reported on the possible re-emergence of Oyster Bay's energy fees in the hotel industry. I have good news.

The mystery of Oyster Bay’s energy fee deepens

January 22, 2024June 6, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Last month, I reported on the possible re-emergence of energy fees in the hotel industry. Today, I have some good news for you — and an update from the hotel that allegedly charged the fee to one guest.

Rachel Meredith’s account of her honeymoon reads like a script from a National Lampoon's Vacation movie -- minus the funny, but with bugs.

Vampire bugs ruined my honeymoon

August 31, 2024June 5, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Rachel Meredith’s account of her honeymoon reads like a script from a National Lampoon’s Vacation movie — minus the funny.

It was supposed to be a vacation of a lifetime for Jane Gray -- a trip from Southwest England, where she lives, to Maui.

Help! Airline broke my wheelchair and ruined Hawaii vacation

January 22, 2024June 4, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

It was supposed to be a vacation of a lifetime for Jane Gray — a trip from Southwest England, where she lives, to Maui.

John Mica is sounding the alarm bells about “another TSA meltdown.” Congressman, , warned of a “dramatic meltdown of TSA operations."

“Meltdowns” the TSA forgot to mention

January 22, 2024June 3, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

John Mica is sounding the alarm bells about “another TSA meltdown.” In a vaguely worded press release issued late Friday, the Florida congressman, who chairs the committee that oversees the airport screeners, warned of a “dramatic meltdown of TSA operations” at an unnamed Florida airport.

Perrito is a 4-year-old terrier from Yelapa, Mexico, who’s proud of having made it to “El Norte” with his human companions.

Pet policy spat reveals fliers’ distrust of airlines

January 22, 2024June 2, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Perrito is a 4-year-old terrier from Yelapa, Mexico, who’s proud of having made it to “El Norte” with his human companions, Raoul and Baerbel Schuhmacher. At least that’s what his Facebook page says.

Christopher Elliott

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