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.

How to find the perfect rental car for your next vacation

August 22, 2023September 18, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to rental cars, I’m picky. I like mine newish, but not brand new, roomy but not oversized, and stylish without being ostentatious.

You don’t know these consumer laws, but you probably should

February 1, 2024September 18, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

It might be a stretch to say that American consumers are legally illiterate. After all, don’t we watch Law & Order?

travel, insurance, trip, contract, paper, paperwork, coverage, emergency, medical

Why won’t travel insurance cover my flight delay?

February 1, 2024September 15, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

AXA Assistance USA promises John Schwegel that it will cover the cost of a ticket home after his flight is delayed. But then it doesn’t. How do you persuade AXA to change its mind?

I sent Amoma my bank information, but it won’t issue my refund

February 1, 2024September 12, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Greg Burton books a room well in advance through Amoma for a trip to celebrate his and his wife’s anniversary, but they find their daughter is going to have a baby — during their trip. He cancels and Amoma promises him a refund, but won’t process it without information Burton can’t provide. Can we help?

How to practice safe internet on the road

April 6, 2025September 11, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Somewhere along the Kenya-Tanzania border, 8,000 miles and eight time zones from home, I got the news no traveler wants to hear: My email account had been compromised.

Discovering the secrets of Oregon’s coast with the kids

February 1, 2024September 9, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Oregon’s cool and mysterious coast isn’t a what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of place. Only repeated visits allow you to discover why it’s one of America’s most underrated destinations.

Hello, relaxation? Not with this Booking.com reservation

January 3, 2024September 8, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Vivian Mello’s vacation rental in Maui is uninhabitable. So why won’t Booking.com refund her money?

Why won’t Groupon accept my cancellation?

February 1, 2024September 7, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Just before Richard Garber’s Groupon for a two-night stay at the Scottsdale Marriott expires, he falls ill. He can’t contact Groupon in time to cancel. Is he still entitled to a refund?

As summer draws to a close, a primer on beating the post-vacation blues

February 1, 2024September 4, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Welcome back. What’s that? You didn’t want to come home? You might have a touch of the post-vacation blues.

Hotel resort fees, hidden charges bemoaned by travelers, are climbing higher than ever

February 1, 2024September 4, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

Tamara Myers thought that her hotel bill at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino would come to $415. At least that’s what Otel.com, the website through which she booked the room, promised her.

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