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.

British Airways lost Louis Hyman's airline ticket. The airline canceled his flight and promised him a ticket credit or refund. Where is it?

British Airways lost my airline ticket. Can you help me find it (and get a refund)?

May 8, 2024November 5, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

British Airways lost Louis Hyman’s airline ticket. The airline canceled his flight and promised him a ticket credit or refund. Where is it?

Someone has to say it, so I will: Please, stop trying to switch airline seats. Here's why -- and how you can still get a decent seat.

Stop switching airline seats! Here’s why you should stay put

October 14, 2025November 4, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Someone has to say it, so I will: Please, stop trying to switch airline seats. Here’s why — and how you can still get a decent seat.

What if your hotel promises you a refund but then gives you nothing? That happened to one of our readers. Here's how to fix the problem.

How to get a refund from your hotel — even when it doesn’t want to give you one

September 5, 2025November 3, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What if your hotel promises you a refund but then gives you nothing? That happened to one of our readers. Here’s how to fix the problem.

There's a right way to board a plane, and you're probably not doing it. Actually, it might be more accurate to say your airline isn't doing it.

Here’s the secret to boarding a plane the right way

February 19, 2024November 2, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

There’s a right way to board a plane, and you’re probably not doing it. Actually, it might be more accurate to say your airline isn’t doing it.

Julie Kuklenski has a Saks return problem. She sent back Stella McCartney cross-body bag. But the company won't return her money.

Saks return problem: Where’s my money?

October 25, 2024November 1, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Julie Kuklenski returned her Stella McCartney cross-body bag to Saks. But the company won’t return her money. What’s going on?

It might be safe to book your next trip through a warehouse club like Costco, BJ's or Sam's Club. But it depends on your definition of safe.

Is it safe to buy travel from a warehouse club like Costco?

August 19, 2025October 31, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

It might be safe to book your next trip through a warehouse club like Costco, BJ’s or Sam’s Club. But it depends on your definition of safe.

Heather Steele is stuck in a cold Airbnb, and her host refuses to help her. Can she move to a different rental?

I’m freezing! Can you help me get out of this cold Airbnb?

January 19, 2024October 29, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Heather Steele is stuck in a cold Airbnb, and her host refuses to help her. Can she move to a different rental?

Good news: It's not too late to book a trip for the holidays. Prices are falling and there's still availability -- if you know where to look.

Holiday travel advice: It’s not too late to book!

July 19, 2025October 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Good news: It’s not too late to book a trip for the holidays. Prices are falling and there’s still availability — if you know where to look.

Can a hotel charge your credit card for damage to your room? The Holiday Inn just did it to one of our readers. What are his rights?

Can Holiday Inn charge me $700 for damaging the TV in my room?

November 24, 2025October 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Can a hotel charge your credit card for damage to your room? The Holiday Inn just did it to one of our readers. What are his rights?

After reporting several fraudulent charges on her Costco Citi Card, Jeanne Vaul gets a new card. But Citi won't reverse the fake charges.

Help me with these fraudulent charges on my card. Citi won’t.

January 19, 2024October 24, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

After reporting several fraudulent charges on her Costco Citi Card, Jeanne Vaul gets a new card. But Citi won’t reverse the fake charges. What’s going on?