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.

TSA's use of full-body scanners turns into a national debate, it appears the agency is taking a harder line against passengers who resist.

TSA threatens to fine passenger who refuses full-body scan

January 19, 2024November 14, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

As the TSA’s use of full-body scanners turns into a national debate, it appears the agency is taking a harder line against passengers who resist.

Brian Perez-Daple rents a car in Mexico through Hotwire. But his car rental company insists he needs to buy extra insurance.

I thought car rental insurance was optional

January 19, 2024November 12, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Brian Perez-Daple rents a car in Mexico through Hotwire. But his car rental company insists he needs to buy extra insurance, which he doesn’t. Is there any way to get his money back?

The TSA Transportation Security Administration is fond of releasing surveillance video when it suits its purpose.

Here’s what happens when you say “no” to the TSA for a full-body scan

January 25, 2024November 11, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration is fond of releasing surveillance video when it suits its purpose, like to debunk this woman’s claim that she was separated from her child at a checkpoint.

A few days ago, a TSA officer instructed him to remove everything from his pockets before he walked through a magnetometer.

New TSA policy? Empty your pockets when you’re being screened

January 19, 2024November 10, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re confused by the TSA’s many new security protocols — from enhanced pat-downs to printer cartridge bans — then you probably don’t want to know about Eugene Solomon.

Ray Sandoval paid $650 for his wife and two young daughters to fly from Sacramento to New York on Southwest Airlines.

Is this enough compensation? Southwest confiscates tickets, offers “deal” to get family home

January 19, 2024November 10, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Ray Sandoval paid $650 for his wife and two young daughters to fly from Sacramento to New York on Southwest Airlines.

Thank you, TSA, for saving us from those dangerous snow globes, gel inserts and printer cartridges

September 12, 2023November 9, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

True to form, the TSA has overreacted yet again to a minor security threat by banning printer cartridges. Printer cartridges!

The best things in life may be free, but that apparently doesn't extend to the airfare on your all-inclusive vacation, at least according to the government.

Travel agency whacked with $200,000 fine for offering “free” flights with Sandals vacations

January 25, 2024November 8, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The best things in life may be free, but that apparently doesn’t extend to the airfare on your all-inclusive vacation, at least according to the government.

Dotti Cahill thought she had a $150 ticket credit on Delta Air Lines. She thought wrong. What's behind all those airline change fees?

What’s behind all those airline change fees?

January 25, 2024November 7, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Dotti Cahill thought she had a $150 ticket credit on Delta Air Lines. She thought wrong.

I booked a hotel room at the Hampton Inn Atlanta-Buckhead in Atlanta earlier this year. I paid a special online rate of $96 for one night.

Who’s gonna pay these overdraft fees?

January 19, 2024November 5, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

When a Hampton Inn hotel charges Alia Naffouj twice for the same room, there are two surprise overdraft fees on Naffouj’s credit card. Hampton is dragging its feet on a refund. Is there anything Naffouj can do to get the money back?

Knight's family was looking forward to an all-inclusive vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, until the Beaches resort sent her some bad news.

Beaches vacation goes bust, but how about that ticket promise?

January 19, 2024November 4, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Jen Knight’s family was looking forward to an all-inclusive vacation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, until the resort sent her some bad news: Her hotel, Beaches Boscobel, would be closed for renovations.