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.

American Airlines changes Erica Remer's flight without telling her. Now she's trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won't the airline help her?

American Airlines refund policy: How to get your money back after a flight schedule change

May 29, 2025April 30, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines changes Erica Remer’s flight without telling her. Now she’s trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won’t the airline help her?

When Denise Elwell booked a Celebrity cruise, the last person she expected to have a dispute with was her travel advisor.

Celebrity Cruises overcharged me $641: Can my travel advisor legally keep the refund?

April 30, 2025April 28, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Denise Elwell booked a Celebrity cruise, the last person she expected to have a dispute with was her travel advisor.

Should airlines limit or ban alcohol on planes? Passengers like Jodi Smith have an opinion.

Should airlines ban alcohol on flights?

November 13, 2025April 27, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Should airlines limit or ban alcohol on planes? Passengers like Jodi Smith have an opinion.

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand's chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer.

How Air New Zealand’s bold sustainability experiment could make your next flight greener

July 7, 2025April 26, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Say the word “sustainable” around an airline executive, and they’ll probably try to change the subject. That’s because green air travel is a distant dream. But not for Air New Zealand.

There's a $1,365 charge on Hank Hu's PayPal account. Someone ordered a watch from Tag Heuer and shipped it to another state. Why won't PayPal help him?

Unauthorized $1,365 Tag Heuer PayPal charge: How to get your money back

April 26, 2025April 25, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

There’s a $1,365 charge on Hank Hu’s PayPal account. Someone ordered a watch from Tag Heuer and shipped it to another state. Why won’t PayPal help him?

Glenn Roberts gets a surprise bill for $1,357 two months after he returns his car to National. What is it for -- and why can't he get the car rental company to refund it?

How to dispute a $1,357 charge from National and get your money back

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Glenn Roberts gets a surprise bill for $1,357 two months after he returns his car to National. What is it for — and why can’t he get the car rental company to refund it?

It seems airlines are constantly finding new ways to make flying more uncomfortable. But for Mary Ann and David DeMichael, AirTransat succeeded beyond its wildest dreams.

They paid for an extra legroom seat on AirTransat. Then they got a downgrade.

December 11, 2025April 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

It seems airlines are constantly finding new ways to make flying more uncomfortable. But for Mary Ann and David DeMichael, AirTransat succeeded beyond its wildest dreams.

A few hours after Matt Rogers checked into his hotel in Dallas, he heard rhythmic grunting noises outside his door. They were coming from one of the worst hotel guests ever.

Are you a bad hotel guest? Here’s how to know

April 26, 2025April 20, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

A few hours after Matt Rogers checked into his hotel in Dallas, he heard rhythmic grunting noises outside his door. They were coming from one of the worst hotel guests ever.

If you've ever stored your luggage with a hotel, you probably know the nagging question: Is my bag safe?

How to prevent hotel luggage theft: 5 expert strategies

April 26, 2025April 19, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever stored your luggage with a hotel, you probably know the nagging question: Is my bag safe?

When John Bartolotta's dishwasher breaks down, he asks Sears for help in fixing it. Then he decides to buy a new dishwasher instead. Can he get his prepaid repair fee refunded?

I changed my mind about my Sears dishwasher repair. Can I get my money back?

April 26, 2025April 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When John Bartolotta’s dishwasher breaks down, he asks Sears for help in fixing it. Then he decides to buy a new dishwasher instead. Can he get his prepaid repair fee refunded?