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 Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter. He is based in Tokyo.

What happens when you have a cruise problem?

A problem with my Holland America cruise: raw sewage in my cabin!

September 22, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

How do you solve a problem with a cruise? Here’s one Holland America passenger who had raw sewage in his cabin. And this is how he fixed it.

Joe King's experience with the Samsung ADT Home Security Starter Kit led to a challenging quest for a refund. Only with unwavering advocacy and assistance was a rightful resolution achieved.

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

September 20, 2023September 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?

Leaving my hotel.

Here’s when you should refuse a hotel room

September 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?

When Thomas Sennett and his family were involuntarily downgraded from first class to economy on their American Airlines flight, it sparked a complex refund journey involving multiple parties. With persistence, a solid paper trail, and some advocacy, the refund was finally secured, bringing the matter to a satisfactory close.

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

September 18, 2023September 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?

What is the real cost of air travel?

Hidden airline fees are everywhere — and they’re about to get worse!

September 21, 2023September 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 Lowry purchased a Sollevare wine cooler from Lowe's expecting a reversible door, only to face constant issues and replacements that didn't solve the problem. Caught in a back-and-forth between the manufacturer and retailer, she found herself stuck with two faulty units. After reaching out for assistance and multiple interventions, an appeal to the California Attorney General’s Office finally led Sollevare to issue a full refund. Laura's experience serves as a cautionary tale for consumers to verify product reviews and know their rights.

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

September 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?

September 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?

Believe it or not, there are rules for each line -- and there's one piece of advice that may prevent you from missing your flight or landing in a holding cell at the airport.

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

September 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.

Travel food basics: How to eat better when you travel.

Eat this! The ultimate guide to travel food

September 7, 2023September 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's frustrating experience with a non-working refurbished computer purchased from TigerDirect and Blair Technology showcases the challenges of dealing with responsibility disputes. Despite encountering multiple non-functional replacements, obtaining a refund became a deadlock between the companies. With external intervention, the issue was resolved, leading to a refund for the $213 purchase.

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

September 6, 2023September 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?