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.

Edd Staton, an expat in Ecuador for 14 years, challenges the U.S. government's travel advisories that warn of crime and danger. He insists the violence is confined to areas tourists rarely visit and that most travelers are safe. As safety concerns grow, should travelers rely on government travel advisories or consider the insights of locals like Staton? Government warnings often highlight broad risks but may miss the nuances of everyday life in the country. So, what's the real story about safety in Ecuador?

Can you trust those government travel advisories? Maybe not — and here’s why

May 11, 2026October 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to government travel advisories, Edd Staton doesn’t believe everything he reads.

Janet Stevens purchased a sofa and chair at Macy's with a Worry No More warranty, expecting peace of mind. After five years, she was entitled to a $396 voucher, but when she tried to use it, Macy's customer service gave her the runaround. Endless calls, unfulfilled promises, and hours of frustration followed. Finally, after emailing the company’s executives and persisting, she received her credit. This incident highlights the challenges of using Windstar warranties and raises questions about their customer service.

Does Macy’s Worry No More warranty apply to my sofa?

October 26, 2024October 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Janet Stevens has two vouchers for a furniture purchase at Macy’s. Why is Macy’s refusing to honor them?

Michael Roehricht found himself in a tough spot after damaging a rental car from Enterprise in Germany. Despite his efforts to work with his car insurance company to cover the damages, Enterprise refused to provide the necessary repair invoice, leaving Michael in limbo. With his insurance company’s deadline approaching, Michael reached out for help. After a frustrating back-and-forth, Enterprise finally provided the documentation, allowing his insurance company to settle the claim for $17,552. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a repair invoice in rental car disputes.

How do I get a repair invoice from Enterprise? My insurance company needs it

October 23, 2024October 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Michael Roehricht needs a repair invoice from Enterprise to file a claim with his car insurance company. Why won’t the company send him the paperwork?

Robert and Beverly Isman had to cancel their dream Nile river cruise with Overseas Adventure Travel after Beverly received a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. Despite filing a claim with their travel insurance company, Allianz, and having it approved, Overseas Adventure Travel delayed their $18,652 refund for nearly nine months. Frustrated and exhausted, the Ismans sought help, and with some persistence, they finally received their refund, plus interest. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with Overseas Adventure Travel and the importance of staying proactive in claim disputes.

Why won’t Overseas Adventure Travel refund my $18,652 tour? I have travel insurance!

October 23, 2024September 30, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Robert and Beverly Isman were about to cast off on a once-in-a-lifetime Nile river cruise when they received a devastating medical diagnosis: Beverly had advanced pancreatic cancer.

With airlines cracking down on luggage, travelers are facing rising fees and stricter enforcement, leading to a new phenomenon: luggage rage. From lost bags to exorbitant fees, passengers are increasingly frustrated. Incidents of rage are on the rise, with some travelers going as far as mutilating their luggage to avoid penalties. As airlines continue to tighten their policies, the situation is only expected to worsen. Will you keep your cool, or will luggage rage get the best of you?

Do you have luggage rage? Here’s how to know — and what to do about it

May 12, 2025September 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever struggled to squeeze your carry-on luggage into a ridiculously tiny overhead bin, or had to repack your bag because it was too heavy, or just lost your luggage, then you may already know luggage rage.

Stockholm may not be shouting about it, but this city is setting a new standard for sustainable living. From museums powered by green energy to restaurants cutting food waste and hotels transforming historic buildings into sustainable havens, it’s a masterclass in eco-friendly tourism. If you want to see what sustainable travel truly looks like, Stockholm is leading the way—quietly, yet powerfully.

In Stockholm, tourism officials ask: How much more sustainable can it get?

October 19, 2024September 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to sustainable destinations, it may not get much more sustainable than Stockholm.

Tom Kay ordered a mobility scooter from Amazon, only to face a series of frustrating setbacks. First, the vendor claimed the color he wanted was unavailable and refused to cancel the order. Then, the tracking information falsely showed that the scooter had been delivered. Despite his efforts to resolve the issue, Amazon and the vendor were unresponsive, demanding a police report for a product that likely was never shipped. After months of dead ends, Tom finally received a refund for his $2,650 Amazon mobility scooter with a little help.

What can I do about the missing mobility scooter I ordered from Amazon?

October 19, 2024September 27, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The mobility scooter Tom Kay orders from Amazon never arrived — yet the tracking number says it’s been delivered. Is his $2,650 lost, too?

Satrupa Kagel, an American Airlines frequent flier, booked an award ticket from Tokyo to San Francisco only to discover the day before her flight that American Airlines had canceled her reservation without notice. After spending $3,548 on a last-minute ticket, she sought a refund from American Airlines. Despite months of waiting and no response, she finally got the airline to acknowledge their mistake and issue a full refund, including her miles. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with American Airlines and the importance of confirming your flight reservation.

American Airlines canceled my business class ticket by accident. Can you fix it?

May 1, 2025September 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A day before Satrupa Kagel’s flight from Tokyo to San Francisco, she finds out American Airlines canceled her ticket. Is she on the hook for the $3,548 she had to spend for a last-minute ticket?

Alex and Jaime Passakos experienced a disappointing wedding at Sandals Montego Bay, citing issues like poor hair styling, an ineffective bridal assistant, missed sunset photos, and damaged wedding attire. Most distressingly, their wedding photos and video were of poor quality. The couple initially sought a refund for the wedding portion of their $48,000 trip. Sandals offered a partial refund and a free stay, which was negotiated up after complaints. Ultimately, Sandals increased their compensation offer, which the couple accepted.

My wedding was ruined! What does Sandals owe me?

October 19, 2024September 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Alex and Jaime Passakos say their honeymoon at Sandals was ruined — and they want compensation.

Ever heard of destination dupes? They're like knockoff designer bags—convincing from afar, but disappointing up close. From Atlantic City being pitched as Las Vegas to Buenos Aires as Paris, it’s all a gimmick. Every place is unique, and Windstar travelers know the real joy of travel is exploring authentic experiences, not imitations. So instead of following a TikTok trend, take control of your travel narrative and discover something truly special. In the world of travel, there’s no substitute for the real deal. Don’t get duped.

Planning a trip? Don’t get destination-duped

October 19, 2024September 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you see a lot of long faces in places like Atlantic City, Buenos Aires or Disney World in Orlando, then you have a good eye. Some of these poor travelers have been destination-duped.