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.

Joe King struggles with Samsung to refund a discontinued security kit. Persistence -- and a little consumer advocacy -- lead to resolution.

Can I get my money back for this Samsung ADT starter security kit?

May 10, 2024September 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Samsung offers Joe King a refund for his home security starter kit, but then refuses to pay him. Can it do that?

If you've ever opened the door to your hotel room and said, "Nope -- I'm not doing that!" then you've probably wondered: When should you reject your hotel room?

Here’s when you should refuse a hotel room

May 2, 2024September 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever opened the door to your hotel room and said, “Nope — I’m not doing that!” then you’ve probably wondered: When should you reject your hotel room?

American Airlines downgrades Thomas Sennett and his family to economy class on their flights from Boston to Phoenix. Why isn't it refunding the fare difference?

American Airlines downgraded us. Can I get the fare difference refunded?

June 11, 2025September 18, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines downgrades Thomas Sennett and his family to economy class on their flights from Boston to Phoenix. Why isn’t it refunding the fare difference?

Many airlines have hidden fees. But now Congress wants to undo the full-fare advertising rule -- and that would make it even easier.

Why hidden airline fees are about to get worse

May 11, 2024September 16, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Many airlines have hidden fees. But now Congress wants to undo the full-fare advertising rule — and that would make it even easier.

Laura's wine cooler ordeal with Sollevare continues. Stuck between two giants, will justice prevail? Find out now.

Hey Lowe’s, my Sollevare wine cooler doesn’t work! Can I get a refund?

January 19, 2024September 12, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Laura Lowry’s Sollevare wine cooler doesn’t work, and neither does the replacement. Who does she talk to about a refund?

When Michael Kivel had to cancel his car rental reservation with Avis due to an illness, he expected a prompt refund. However, the process turned out to be more complicated than anticipated. Despite initially cancelling his reservation online and subsequently receiving an email confirmation of a $1,016 refund, the money remained elusive.

Avis promised me a refund of $1,016 — so where is it?

June 21, 2024September 11, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What happened to Michael Kivel’s refund from Avis? The company promised him his money after he had to cancel his car rental reservation. Is the money lost?

Standing in line at the airport? There are rules for each line -- and one piece of advice that may prevent you from missing your flight.

If you’re standing in line at the airport, don’t do this!

August 17, 2025September 9, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Standing in line at the airport? There are rules for each line — and one piece of advice that may prevent you from missing your flight.

Here's the ultimate guide to travel food, which includes advice on where to eat and how to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Eat this! The ultimate guide to travel food

January 19, 2024September 7, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s the ultimate guide to travel food, which includes advice on where to eat and how to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Jane Tabachnick seeks refund for non-working refurbished computer from TigerDirect and partner Blair Technology. Find out what happened?

My refurbished computer from TigerDirect doesn’t work. Can I get my money back?

January 19, 2024September 6, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jane Tabachnick orders a refurbished computer from TigerDirect. It doesn’t work, and she asks for a refund. Why can’t she get her money back?

Mary Anne Morgan wants a Booking.com refund after the online agency charges her twice. Why won't the company help her?

Billed twice for my hotel room. Where’s my Booking.com refund?

April 26, 2025September 4, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

When Mary Anne Morgan stays at a boutique hotel, her online travel agency charges her twice. Can she get one of the payments back, or does Booking.com get to keep it?