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 weekly columns for King Features Syndicate, USA Today, Forbes and the Washington Post. He also publishes 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 Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter. Read more of Christopher's articles here.

Gerry Bauer thought canceling his reservation and receiving a refund on Vrbo would be easy. After all, the owner had offered to let him off the hook for his vacation home in Fort Myers, Fla., and return the $31,995 he'd charged for a three-month rental.

He tried to cancel a reservation and receive a refund. Vrbo charged him $31,995 instead

March 6, 2023March 5, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Can a Vrbo take $31,995 from your bank account and leave you with nothing? It happened to Gerry Bauer. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Priscilla's dream trip to Sedona turned into a nightmare when Southwest canceled her flight. But that was just the beginning. Marriott then took $1,745 of her vacation club points without explanation. What will happen next?

They canceled my flight. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points?

February 28, 2023February 26, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

After Southwest canceled her flight, Marriott took $1,745 worth of Marriott Vacation Club points without explanation. Can they do that?

Jeff von Bargen discovered mouse droppings in his vacation rental in San Luis Obispo, California and left the home after a sleepless night. The owner offered to refund part of von Bargen's rental fee in exchange for a five-star review, but von Bargen refused and contacted Vrbo, the vacation rental platform he used to book the property.

There are mice in my vacation rental! But why can’t I get a refund?

February 23, 2023February 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What are the policies of the major vacation rental platforms when it comes to mouse infestations? And what should you do if you find a mouse in your vacation rental?

Explore the issue of vacation rental hosts cancelling stays and keeping the paid money through Vrbo. Learn about the dispute resolution process and find out if you qualify for a refund in such a scenario. A must-read for all those planning their next holiday or weekend getaway.

Vrbo took my $1,270! Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money?

February 15, 2023February 13, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Can a vacation rental host cancel your reservation and keep your money? Shannon Jenkins wants to know after her host decided to pocket the money she paid Vrbo for a four-day weekend in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.

The content discusses the issue of a long-delayed cruise refund for a Greek Islands cruise booked with Vantage Travel. Despite agreement for the refund, it has taken almost three years due to the pandemic causing widespread delays in the travel industry. The article explores the reasons behind the wait and whether it is possible to expedite the process.

He paid Vantage $18,536. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund?

February 15, 2023February 9, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

The pandemic created massive refund delays that are still affecting passengers today. So why are cruise refunds dragging on? And can you make them go faster?

Cristina Criado's flight diverted to Panama City after a tragic accident closed the airport in Lima. Does American Airlines owe her a refund for her trip in vain -- and if so, how much?

My flight never made it to Lima. Why won’t American Airlines get my refund approved?

February 1, 2023January 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Cristina Criado’s flight diverted to Panama City after a tragic accident closed the airport in Lima. Does American Airlines owe her a refund for her trip in vain — and if so, how much?

Shocked PayPal customer tries to get fraudulent charges reversed.

Unauthorized charges on your PayPal account? Here’s how to get your money back now

January 23, 2023January 4, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

How does the PayPal dispute resolution system work? And when you try to dispute a fraudulent charge on your PayPal account and fail, how do you appeal a denial?

Woman screaming. She is made out of Hilton credit cards.

Hilton points problem: I canceled my stay — but they charged me anyway!

January 23, 2023December 26, 2022 by Christopher Elliott

Travel companies can do almost anything they want when it comes to your loyalty points. But not with this reader’s Hilton points problem.

Denied travel insurance claim? Here's what to do.

Travel insurance claim denied? Here’s how to turn a “no” into a “yes”

January 23, 2023December 19, 2022 by Christopher Elliott

If your travel insurance claim is denied, try these insider strategies for a successful appeal. You may be able to get your money back.

Can American Airlines find my missing Apple AirPods?

December 22, 2022December 12, 2022 by Christopher Elliott

When Nancy Allen lost her Apple AirPods on an American Airlines flight from London to Chicago, she thought they were gone forever. Allen didn’t discover that the $169 earbuds were missing until the day after she landed, by which time it seemed too late.

Christopher Elliott

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