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.

Mirella Veen, a resident of St. Maarten, faced a frustrating situation when her $430 Amazon package, containing computer equipment and shelves, went missing after being handed off to a freight forwarder. Despite Amazon's claims that the package was delivered, there was no proof of receipt, and the company refused to issue a refund or replacement. Mirella's persistence in dealing with automated responses and unhelpful customer service finally led to a resolution. But who was truly at fault, and what does Amazon's policy mean for international customers?

My Amazon package never arrived. Now they’re hiding behind a freight forwarder

September 27, 2024September 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Mirella Veen orders $430 worth of computer equipment and shelves through Amazon. But her freight forwarder loses it while shipping it to St. Maarten. Who’s responsible?

Jim Hutslar faced a challenging situation after a scooter accident forced him to cancel his British Airways flight. Despite receiving a promise from Expedia for a $1,987 ticket credit, he hit a roadblock when British Airways marked him as a "no-show" and canceled his entire trip. As a result, he was caught in a frustrating loop between Expedia and British Airways, each pointing the finger at the other. Discover how Jim navigated this complex issue and whether he managed to secure his ticket credit or lost his money for good.

Expedia says I have a $1,987 credit, but British Airways says I was a “no-show”

September 9, 2024September 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After a scooter accident, Jim Hutslar cancels his British Airways flight. Expedia offers him a $1,987 ticket credit. But British Airways refuses, claiming he was a “no show” for his flight. Is the money lost?

Tracy Pruss lost her iPhone 13 while boarding an American Airlines flight from Raleigh-Durham to Cincinnati. Despite using the Find My app to locate the phone near the gate desk, her attempts to retrieve it were met with delays and unhelpful responses from both the airport and the airline. As days passed and the battery dwindled, Pruss feared losing the phone—and its irreplaceable contents—forever. Desperate, she drove to the airport in Cincinnati for help. Will American Airlines find her phone before it's too late, or are these precious memories lost forever?

Can American Airlines find my irreplaceable iPhone before it’s too late?

December 2, 2025September 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Tracy Pruss lost her iPhone 13 as she boarded an American Airlines flight from Raleigh-Durham to Cincinnati. The device slipped out of her pocket on the jetway.

Travelers reached their breaking point this summer. Is loyalty dead?

September 5, 2024September 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to travel, is loyalty dead?
That’s the question many travelers have been asking themselves during a record-breaking summer.

Eastern Germany's sustainability focused tourism is flourishing, with eco-resorts like Biostadt Schmilka leading the way. Once an abandoned village, it now thrives as a certified "bio" resort, conserving natural resources and promoting organic living. Across the region, sustainability is integrated into all aspects of tourism, from compost heating at work retreats like Coconat to the natural life cycle education at Harz National Park. This green movement is not just a trend but a deeply rooted approach, making sustainability selbstverständlich – a natural, expected part of life in this region.

Bio, bitte! How green resorts are building Germany’s sustainability reputation

October 26, 2024August 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The Biostadt Schmilka, a sustainable resort on the bank of the Elbe river near the Czech border, looks like every other German village. There’s a Gasthaus and homes with immaculate gardens and fruit trees, and the river with colorful kayaks floating downstream.

Maria Jacobson was shocked when she received a $3,437 bill from Quest Diagnostics for a routine blood test, despite providing her health insurance information at the time of the visit. It turns out that Quest Diagnostics mistakenly used an old insurance code, leading to the full amount being billed directly to her. Despite repeated attempts to correct the error, the issue persisted. The situation highlights ongoing concerns with Quest Diagnostics' billing practices, where errors like these can leave patients with unexpectedly high charges, causing unnecessary stress and financial strain.

Quest Diagnostics overcharge: $3,437 for these blood tests?

September 5, 2024August 30, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Why is Quest Diagnostics sending Maria Jacobson a $3,437 bill for her blood test? Her insurance company should cover it — or should it?

Linda Carnivale found herself in a frustrating situation after canceling a cruise and trying to get her $250 deposit back. With the credit card she used now closed, NCL claimed to have refunded the money, but Chase, her bank, said otherwise. A tense three-way call between Linda, Chase, and NCL led to a blame game with no resolution in sight. Linda's persistence paid off as she documented everything, but will she finally see her refund? The situation serves as a cautionary tale for anyone dealing with refund disputes between businesses and banks.

Help! NCL and Chase are arguing about my $250 refund, but I just want my money back

September 5, 2024August 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Linda Carnivale wants her $250 cruise deposit refunded. But now her bank and cruise line are arguing over who is responsible for the money. Does it matter? And can she get her money back?

Companies often use release forms to silence consumers when addressing complaints. For instance, Lowe's offered a settlement to a customer for a botched kitchen installation but required her to destroy evidence and stay silent. These agreements, similar to nondisclosure agreements, prevent consumers from sharing their experiences, thereby protecting the company's reputation. Consumers should be wary of such agreements, which may restrict their rights to criticize or pursue further claims. Consulting a lawyer before signing is advisable to understand the full implications. Refusing these agreements could push companies to resolve issues transparently.

How companies try to silence you when you have a problem

October 2, 2025August 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The document seemed harmless enough — a “release of all claims” in exchange for a cash settlement. Lowe’s sent it to one of our readers when she asked it to fix a botched kitchen installation.

Overpacking is a common issue for many travelers, driven by insecurities, stress, and inexperience. With airlines raking in billions from luggage fees, it's time to rethink how much you really need to bring on your trips. From witnessing tourists struggling with oversized bags in destinations like Interlaken, Rio de Janeiro, and Bangkok, to hearing experts explain why we pack too much, this article offers insights and practical tips to help you pack smarter. Embrace minimalism, adjust your travel expectations, and avoid unnecessary fees on your next adventure.

You’re overpacking! Here’s how to lighten up when you travel

September 5, 2024August 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

You’re carrying too much luggage. Here’s how to lighten up.

Jackson Groves never used to think about rental car safety, but he's recently noticed rental companies stepping up their game. From built-in dash cameras to SOS buttons for emergencies, these new features are designed to enhance driver security. Companies like Enterprise Mobility are setting higher standards for vehicle maintenance and cleanliness. But even with these advancements, renters must stay vigilant. Learn how to check if your rental car is safe and the steps to take for a worry-free trip.

How safe is your rental car? Here’s how to know before you go

August 31, 2024August 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Safety is not necessarily at the top of Jackson Groves’ mind when he rents a car. He doesn’t wonder: Has the rental company properly maintained the car? Are there any recalls on the vehicle? Did they thoroughly clean and sanitize it?

Christopher Elliott

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