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.

David Hendrick faced a perplexing situation with Booking.com after discovering fraudulent bookings on his account. Despite immediate action and contacting customer service, his account was disabled. This led to a frustrating cycle of trying to reinstate his account and transfer his bookings, highlighting challenges in navigating customer service protocols.

Booking.com suspended my account. Can you help me get it back?

May 13, 2025January 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After discovering two fraudulent reservations, Booking.com suspends David Hendrick’s account. How can he get it reinstated?

When Don Kelly triumphs in a credit card chargeback, he unexpectedly faces an Uber ban. His odyssey through automated customer service and complex policies highlights the intricate battle between consumer rights and corporate rules in today's technology-driven world.

Uber banned him after he won a credit card chargeback. Is that allowed?

May 17, 2025January 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can Uber ban you if you file a credit card dispute against it and win? It happened to Don Kelley. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

mbark on a journey through 2024's must-visit travel destinations, carefully selected by a globetrotter. From Antarctica's icy wonders to the vibrant streets of Doha, discover unique experiences in each location for your travel itinerary.

I travel nonstop: here are 12 bucket list places you have to see

December 23, 2025December 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

There’s no shortage of fascinating places to visit. I know because I’m on the road 365 days a year, and in 2023, I traveled to a few bucket list destinations I can personally recommend.

Jim Ogden faced a frustrating ordeal with his new BMW M240i Coupe. Despite a full warranty, the car's persistent issues remained unresolved by the dealership. With the service department unable to fix the vehicle and lemon lawyers hesitant to take on a used car case, Ogden sought external help.

My BMW doesn’t work! Why won’t they fix it?

August 31, 2024December 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jim Ogden’s new BMW is a lemon, but he can’t get his dealership to fix it or take the car back. What are his options?

Hertz hits Joseph Meisinger with an $850 bill six months after he returns his rental car. Wait, six months? Yes, six months. Does he still have to pay?

Help! Hertz hit me with an $850 repair bill six months after I returned my rental car

January 2, 2025December 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Hertz hits Joseph Meisinger with an $850 bill six months after he returns his rental car. Wait, six months? Yes, six months. Does he still have to pay?

Michael Lavender faced a frustrating ordeal with Barcelo Maya Palace Resort over a nonrefundable hotel booking. After canceling his original reservation and rebooking a cheaper room, he struggled for four months to get a refund of $1,692. Despite promises from various agents, the refund process proved lengthy and complex, highlighting the risks of nonrefundable hotel reservations and the importance of persistence and self-advocacy in resolving such issues.

Oh no! Will I ever get my money back from Barcelo?

December 27, 2023December 26, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

It’s been four months since Barcelo Maya Palace Resort promised Michael Lavender a refund for his nonrefundable $1,692 hotel reservation, and he’s beginning to think he may never get it.

Airline mergers often lead to higher fares and reduced service quality. As major carriers like Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines consider merging, passengers like Eloisa Hife express deep concerns. With the government stepping in and consumer groups rallying, there's a growing call for public action to protect competition and consumer rights.

Yes, you can stop these airline mergers. Here’s how

May 11, 2026December 23, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Want to block the latest airline mergers? Here’s how your voice can challenge the turbulence of airline mergers and protect passenger rights.

Andrew Bottorff's return of a surge protector to Amazon via Whole Foods led to a baffling double charge. A system glitch and a lost email receipt escalated the issue, requiring intervention for resolution.

Amazon lost return: What happened to my surge protector?

June 19, 2024December 21, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

After Andrew Bottorff returns his surge protector to Amazon through a Whole Foods store, Amazon tries to charge him again. How can he get his money back?

When Dale Cerney checks into his resort in Kauai, it doesn't have a reservation for him. Will Booking.com pay for the mistake?

Booking.com lost my reservation! Can you make it pay?

May 13, 2025December 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

When Dale Cerney checks into his resort in Kauai, it doesn’t have a reservation for him. Will Booking.com pay for the mistake?

More disability pretenders are flying and staying in hotels than ever. But do these fakers have a valid point about the state of travel?

Disability pretenders are traveling again. But do they have a point?

January 18, 2024December 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

More disability pretenders are flying and staying in hotels than ever. But do these fakers have a valid point about the state of travel?