Author: 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, and the Washington Post. 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.

This is why the bad service you get is your fault

By Christopher Elliott |

Bad service is your fault. If you’re stuck in an uncomfortable airline seat or have to pay an exorbitant resort fee for a hotel stay, you don’t have to look too far for the reason. Just find a mirror.

At least that’s what travelers like Gene SirLouis, a manufacturer’s representative from the District, believe. “We want everything cheaper and cheaper and cheaper,” he says. “That’s why the size of an average airline seat is smaller than the size of an average human. We have to take some of the blame.” Read more “This is why the bad service you get is your fault”

Should you get rid of your loyalty program?

By Christopher Elliott |

Are you thinking of getting rid of your loyalty program? If so,  you might relate to John Franklin’s story. Actually, you might relate to it even if you aren’t unhappy with your loyalty program. Read more “Should you get rid of your loyalty program?”

Here they are: The most terrible airline passengers

By Christopher Elliott |

Who are the most terrible airline passengers? Hint: It’s not babies.

What’s the worst behavior you’ve seen on a plane? If you point the finger at the kids, maybe you’re half right. Read more “Here they are: The most terrible airline passengers”

I wanted my baby to fly in his own seat. What went wrong?

By Christopher Elliott |

Isla Hale-Burgess’ son Jack is an “active” 18-month-old, so when she booked a flight from Seattle to London to attend a family wedding next month, one thing was clear: Her baby had to have his own seat.

She says she paid for an infant seat when she booked her flights on British Airways through Hopper, a popular flight-search app. But then she didn’t get one. Read more “I wanted my baby to fly in his own seat. What went wrong?”

What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen on a flight?

By Christopher Elliott |

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen a passenger do on a flight?

If you said, “Change into pajamas midflight,” then maybe you were on my red-eye from Orlando to Frankfurt, Germany, during which a passenger disappeared into the restroom and emerged in a nightgown. Read more “What is the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen on a flight?”