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.

Should you recline your airline seat? The passenger sitting in front of me on a recent flight never bothered asking. Shortly after takeoff, he just lurched backward. No warning.

Should you recline your airline seat? No, and here’s why

August 31, 2025May 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Should you recline your airline seat? The passenger sitting in front of me on a recent flight never bothered asking. Shortly after takeoff, he just lurched backward. No warning.

Witness the struggle of Olivier Kunckler, who is looking for his delayed Chateau Pontet Canet 2019 from Spec's Wine.

I’ve waited more than three years for this bottle of Bordeaux. Where is it?

June 20, 2024May 25, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

This blog follows Olivier Kunckler’s frustrating journey in acquiring a sought-after bottle of Chateau Pontet Canet 2019. Despite a three-year wait and countless queries, Olivier struggles with unresponsive customer service and an unfulfilled order. It’s a tale that delves into the complexities of international wine delivery, customer service gaps, and one wine enthusiast’s perseverance to expand his collection.

May Youngclaus has been waiting months for a refund from American Queen Voyages. Find out what she should do next.

Where’s my refund from American Queen Voyages? They promised to send it months ago

September 13, 2024May 23, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

May Youngclaus has been waiting months for a refund from American Queen Voyages. Is her money lost at sea?

Navigating the world of travel can be complex. Find out how a travel advisor can simplify your journey, especially for unique trips like solo travel or senior travel. We'll explore when to engage a travel advisor, how they can enhance your trip, their costs, and strategies to find the right advisor for your needs.

The ultimate guide to finding a travel advisor

February 18, 2025May 21, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Navigating the world of travel can be complex. Find out how a travel advisor can simplify your journey, especially for unique trips like solo travel or senior travel. We’ll explore when to engage a travel advisor, how they can enhance your trip, their costs, and strategies to find the right advisor for your needs.

Should screaming babies, argumentative passengers, and smelly travelers be banned from flights? Join the heated debate.

These airline passengers should get banned permanently

January 19, 2024May 21, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Should screaming babies, argumentative passengers, and people with bad odors be banned from flights? Join the heated debate as Congress considers a nationwide no-fly list.

Ellen LaGow gets downgraded on a Lufthansa flight. The airline promises her a refund for her business class tickets. But it's been five months and there's still nothing in her account.

Downgraded on a Lufthansa flight. Where’s my business class refund?

September 19, 2025May 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Ellen LaGow and her husband face an inconvenient situation when their return flight from Prague to Denver gets canceled because of a Lufthansa strike. Though they had upgraded to business class, they’re unable to enjoy the same comfort when they rebook on a United flight the next day. Can they get a refund of the fare difference?