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.

Thinking about a spring break vacation? You better think fast, because the 2025 spring break travel season will be busier -- and potentially more expensive -- than ever.

Here’s your insider guide to spring break travel in 2025

May 15, 2026January 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Thinking about a spring break vacation? You better think fast, because the 2025 spring break travel season will be busier — and potentially more expensive — than ever.

In this intriguing case, Evonne Hopkins faces a dilemma after booking a room without a private bathroom through SuperTravel. Despite their no-refund policy, she challenges the lack of disclosure. Find out how this situation unfolds and if SuperTravel adjusts its stance in this captivating travel troubleshooter story.

Help! My bed & breakfast doesn’t have a bathroom!

February 5, 2024January 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Evonne Hopkins books a room at a bed & breakfast that doesn’t have a bathroom. Can she get her money back?

Flooded bathroom.

She left her “unsafe” Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

January 30, 2025January 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Nicole Morin wants her money back for the “unsafe” vacation rental she booked through Vrbo. And she wants me to help her get it.

In the wake of recent aviation incidents, many question the safety of air travel. Experts reveal telltale signs of potentially unsafe flights, especially in regions with lax aviation regulations. Learn key indicators and how to ensure a safer journey, from checking airline blacklists to selecting reputable carriers.

Is my flight safe? Here’s how to tell before you board

August 31, 2024January 20, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Flying may be the safest way to travel, but it sure hasn’t felt that way lately.

In this detailed account, John faces a challenging transaction dispute with PayPal over a $2,600 fraud. The incident highlights significant flaws in digital transaction security, prompting a deep dive into PayPal's handling of unauthorized activities. Learn essential tips for safeguarding your online transactions and understand the complexities of resolving such disputes in the evolving landscape of digital finance

How do I get PayPal to reverse a fraudulent charge for $2,600? Can you help?

September 25, 2024January 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

PayPal won’t refund an unauthorized charge on John Boham-Cook’s account, even though it reversed two others by the same fraudster. How can he get the company to see things his way?

Krishnamurthy Viswanathan's hotel room in London is smaller than he expects and has poor ventilation. Can he get his money back?

This hotel is too small and I have a headache! Can I get my money back?

November 17, 2024January 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Krishnamurthy Viswanathan’s hotel room in London is smaller than he expects and has poor ventilation. Can he get his money back?

Lillian Kohler faced losing $36,000 after Vantage Travel's bankruptcy. Unlike others, she discovered a potential path to a refund. This story explores the complexities of cruise line bankruptcies and offers insights on protecting your travel investments, highlighting the crucial role of consumer advocacy in navigating these turbulent situations.

Will she get a $36,000 refund for her canceled Vantage Travel cruise?

January 16, 2024January 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Lillian Kohler never imagined she’d get stiffed for $36,000 by a supposedly reputable cruise company like Vantage Travel.

In a quest for better customer service, frustrated travelers like Robert Grunfeld are recording their calls with airlines. While this tactic can yield mixed results, experts suggest alternative strategies, highlighting the complexities of customer service interactions and the evolving legal and ethical considerations in the digital age.

Frustrated travelers start recording customer service phone calls. But does it work?

January 16, 2024January 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Oh, the lengths some people will go to get better customer service. Like recording phone calls with a customer service agent.

Britt Lane's ordeal with Ashley Furniture began when her new bed arrived missing crucial parts. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, including requests for a partial refund and a copy of the contract, she faced unhelpful customer service and was left sleeping on the floor for over a month.

My bed from Ashley Furniture is missing a few parts. What should I do?

January 13, 2024January 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

What’s wrong with Britt Lane’s bed? And why won’t Ashley Furniture fix it for her? She’s been sleeping on the floor since she ordered the furniture from the retailer.

Steve Feiertag's journey from Palm Beach to Reykjavik takes an unexpected turn when Chase Ultimate Rewards mistakenly downgrades and cancels his business class flights. Facing a loss of $5,000 and left without assistance, Feiertag turns to Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate, in a desperate attempt to salvage his travel plans.

Help! Chase Ultimate Rewards downgraded my flight — and then canceled it

January 6, 2025January 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Feiertag’s flights from Palm Beach to Reykjavik are messed up, but Chase Ultimate Rewards won’t help him fix them. Is he about to lose $5,000?