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.

Has the travel industry turned its back on its smoke-free promises?

Has the travel industry turned its back on its smoke-free promises?

December 4, 2025February 9, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

If you think your next trip will be smoke-free, think again. The travel industry has abandoned its smoke-free promises — mostly.

From travel insurance to cybersecurity, here are the most dangerous assumptions travelers are making this year.

These are the most dangerous assumptions travelers are making in 2025

August 1, 2025February 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

From travel insurance to cybersecurity, here are the most dangerous assumptions travelers are making this year.

When Margarita Medina buys a SIM card from Boost Mobile from Target, it doesn't work on her phone. Now she wants her $50 back. Can she get it?

My Boost Mobile card doesn’t work! Can I get a refund from Target?

September 7, 2025February 7, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Margarita Medina buys a SIM card from Boost Mobile from Target, it doesn’t work on her phone. Now she wants her $50 back. Can she get it?

Amie Tugwell's Vrbo rental is contaminated with mold. She and her family checked out after one night. Why can't she get her money back?

Mold in my vacation rental! I want a refund from Vrbo

September 23, 2025February 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Amie Tugwell’s Vrbo rental is contaminated with mold. She and her family checked out after one night. Why can’t she get her money back?

Can an online travel agency cancel your booking but keep your money?

A Booking.com booking blunder! Can I get a full refund for this flight?

June 12, 2025February 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Can an online travel agency keep your money after making a reservation you didn’t want? Booking.com just did it to one of our readers.

It's a common question during flu season: Should you fly if you have an infectious disease? Here's what experts say.

You’re the most selfish person on the plane if you do this

February 19, 2025February 2, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

It’s a common question during flu season: Should you fly if you have an infectious disease? Here’s what experts say.

The Titanic Belfast Museum in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Belfast’s sustainable tourism surge: “We’re at the end of the beginning”

September 26, 2025February 1, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Belfast is going full steam ahead on sustainable tourism — from collecting rainwater on the roof to green hotels.

Michelle Hughes just spent $677 to have a Sears technician repair her GE refrigerator. It doesn't work. Does she still have to pay for the repair?

They can’t repair my Sears refrigerator. Do I still have to pay $677?

February 19, 2025January 31, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Michelle Hughes just spent $677 to have a Sears technician repair her GE refrigerator. It doesn’t work. Does she still have to pay for the repair?

Mary Brewer's vacation rental in Branson, Mo., is a mess, filled with bugs and dog urine. Why can't she get a refund for her vacation rental nightmare?

Bugs and dog urine in my vacation rental. I want a refund!

February 7, 2025January 29, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Mary Brewer’s vacation rental in Branson, Mo., is a mess, filled with bugs and dog urine. Can she get a refund for her bad vacation rental?

What should you do if your car rental company runs out of cars? Can your online booking site just keep your money? Here's the unfortunate truth.

Hertz ran out of cars. Why is Booking.com keeping $65 for my rental?

February 2, 2025January 27, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

What should you do if your car rental company runs out of cars? Can your online booking site just keep your money? Here’s the unfortunate truth.