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.

Airport terminals are getting bigger, and for many travelers, that means longer walks to the gate. From navigating massive hubs like Dallas and Istanbul to finding shortcuts and avoiding heavy luggage, there are ways to make the journey easier. Comfortable shoes, extra time, and even booking a nonstop flight can help minimize stress. But for some, like frequent traveler Dave Dzurick, these extended hikes are a travel nightmare. This guide will help you prepare for long treks through the terminal, whether you're up for the challenge or need a little extra help.

It’s a long, long walk through the airport. Here’s your survival guide.

April 13, 2025October 27, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes this holiday travel season, because you’re going to need them more than ever.

The distinctive birdhouse cabins at Herrankukkaro, a sustainable convention center in the Finnish archipelago.

Here’s what Finland wants you to know about being green

February 27, 2025October 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Sure, Finland has always been a green and sustainable destination, to hear someone like Kristiina Kukkohovi talk about it. Residents have cared for the environment and are embracing recycling, renewable energy and the elusive circular economy.

Saks Fifth Avenue refuses to accept a $10,854 gold ring as a return. The reason: The company says it's damaged. Is Thomas Gunderson stuck with this purchase?

Saks Fifth Avenue return problem: Why won’t they accept this $10,854 gold ring?

October 26, 2024October 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Saks Fifth Avenue refuses to accept a $10,854 gold ring as a return. The reason: The company says it’s damaged. Is Thomas Gunderson stuck with this purchase?

Dalia Hamzeh’s weekend at the Miraval Berkshires turned sour after the resort overcharged her by $2,500 for two extra nights she didn’t book. Despite early promises of a refund, the hotel’s billing department went silent, leaving Hamzeh frustrated and out of options. After months of back-and-forth with no resolution, she reached out for help. Following an intervention, Miraval’s general manager finally responded, explaining the rate discrepancy and offering a refund or a complimentary return stay. Hamzeh chose to enjoy another visit to the resort, this time on the house.

Help! My all-inclusive hotel charged me for two extra nights

October 26, 2024October 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The Miraval Berkshires, an all-inclusive resort in Lenox, Mass., overcharges Dalia Hamzeh by $2,500. Now, it is refusing to answer her emails. How can she get her money back?

Learn from Terri Taylor's Airbnb misadventure in Paris. Discover what to do if you ever get locked out of your rental.

Locked out of your Airbnb? Here’s how to get back in

November 9, 2025October 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you ever get locked out of your Airbnb rental, you’ll want to know about Terri Taylor’s misadventure with her apartment in Paris. It’s a doozy.

If you're reading this article in English, lucky you. You can travel the world and still be understood by many people because 20 percent of the world also speaks English. Sorta.

Travelers are having more “lost in translation” moments. What’s the fix?

November 4, 2024October 20, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re reading this article in English, lucky you. You can travel the world and still be understood by many people because 20 percent of the world also speaks English.

Penny Sadler is afraid to travel -- now more than ever. Maybe it's the uncertain security situation or the recent questions about airline safety. But Sadler, a photographer from Dallas, gets jittery before every trip.

More Americans are afraid to travel now. Here’s what to do about it.

June 25, 2025October 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Maybe it’s the one-two punch of the recent hurricanes in the Southeast or the escalating tensions in the Middle East. But Americans seem more afraid to travel than ever.

When Ticketmaster sells Nathaniel Meyer his Grateful Dead tickets, it leads him to believe he can resell them. But he can't. Is he stuck with them?

Shakedown Street: Why can’t I resell these Dead & Company concert tickets?

September 24, 2025October 18, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Ticketmaster sells Nathaniel Meyer his Grateful Dead tickets, it leads him to believe he can resell them. But he can’t. Is he stuck with them?

Marcus Mann booked a flight with Frontier Airlines, but never received a confirmation email, leaving him unable to check in for his trip. After losing $583 and facing unhelpful customer service, he turned to a credit card dispute and even visited the airport in desperation. Frontier claimed they sent a confirmation, but Mann insists it never arrived. With help from an advocacy team, Mann finally got answers. Frontier admitted its mistake and agreed to refund his airfare. This serves as a reminder to always double-check your spam folder for important emails.

I never received a flight confirmation from Frontier. Can I get a refund?

November 24, 2024October 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Frontier Airlines fails to send Marcus Mann a confirmation for his airline ticket, he tries to find out what went wrong. After losing $583, he’s not getting any closer to the truth.

Scarlett Kelly’s Paris vacation rental turned into a nightmare when a $300 damage deposit and a missed check-in window led to her being marked a no-show. Booking.com sided with the rental owner, who kept her money despite Kelly’s claims she was there on time. Now, Kelly is fighting back, alleging fraud, breach of contract, and even obstruction of justice. Should Booking.com refund Kelly, or is this a lesson in reading the fine print? With a $100 refund offer on the table, Kelly refuses to back down.

She lost her Paris vacation rental on a technicality — should I take this case?

February 7, 2025October 14, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Scarlett Kelly paid for a vacation rental in Paris through Booking.com, but she never got to stay in it. Booking.com wants to keep her money on what appears to be a technicality.