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.

Does TripAdvisor have a problem with fake reviews?

January 22, 2024June 30, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Who is hunnyb62?

When airlines misread passport rules, who pays?

January 22, 2024June 29, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

When Olga Parra’s dog chews part of her husband’s passport, they’re denied entry to Costa Rica. Is their airline to blame for letting them board the flight?

Who benefits the most from your airline affinity card? (That’s not a trick question)

January 22, 2024June 28, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Hey buddy, wanna sign up for a credit card?

Hey Delta, how about a refund on those outrageous ticket change fees?

January 22, 2024June 25, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

A few years ago, we were flying from London to Vienna with our then 13-month old son. Still exhausted from jetlag and maybe a little forgetful, we showed up for the flight 24 hours before our scheduled departure.

Who’s to blame for this tourist trap?

January 22, 2024June 24, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Monhegan Island, Me., is almost too pretty for words. That’s probably how the problem started; everyone wanted to go there.

Who’s responsible for my missed connection?

January 22, 2024June 23, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Jeff Emerson missed his flight from Minneapolis to Washington last month. He didn’t make his connection to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and didn’t arrive as scheduled in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, where he was supposed to start work as a summer volunteer.

Is a burned-out clutch automatically my fault?

January 22, 2024June 22, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

After only a few miles, her rental car stops running. Now Hertz is demanding 1,233 pounds for a replacement clutch. Doesn’t insurance cover the damage? Apparently not.

The family seating controversy has simmered since airlines started charging families to sit together. But one side of the story has consistently been ignored -- until now.

Family seating controversy: Should I feel guilty for refusing to give up my seat?

January 22, 2024June 20, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

A $500 voucher for a missed riverboat cruise? You’ve gotta be kidding!

January 22, 2024June 19, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Some cases are resolved quickly. Some aren’t. Sheila Drezner Freedman’s problem with Tauck dates back to February 2010, and although the high-end tour operator thinks it is closed, she’s still fighting.

Do I deserve a refund for a hotel shower that didn’t work?

January 22, 2024June 18, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The Hotel Universo in Florence, Italy, describes itself as a “hyper-modern” property where you can be surrounded by “bright colors and pop art-inspired prints.”