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.

After Airbnb bans Kevin Donovan for life, he tries to find out why. But Airbnb won't tell him. Will it tell this consumer advocate?

Help! Airbnb banned me for life — but won’t say why

May 1, 2026November 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

After Airbnb bans Kevin Donovan for life, he tries to find out why. But Airbnb won’t tell him. Will it tell this consumer advocate?

Bonnie Roeder-Burns tracked her delayed bag with an AirTag. When it finally arrived, valuables were missing—but Iberia Airlines denied her claim, citing no visible damage. With help from a travel advocate and strong documentation, she pushed back—and won. Here's what travelers must know about proving loss and fighting back after pilfered luggage.

Pilfered luggage problem: Why won’t Iberia help me?

November 10, 2025November 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When items vanish from your luggage, can you trust your airline to make it right?

Passengers are arriving hours early, becoming "gate campers." But experts say instead of waiting, travelers should use airline apps, check security times, and even explore the airport.

Passengers are arriving too early for their flights. They should do this instead.

January 14, 2026November 9, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Have you started arriving at the airport gate early? Like, way early? Mary Vogel has. For her upcoming flight from Chicago to Paris, she’ll get to the terminal more than three hours before her scheduled departure.

Tokyo’s pace is intense—but so is its wellness culture. From the sleep-optimized Westin Yokohama to forest bathing in Yoyogi Park, visitors are discovering new ways to reset after long flights. Whether it's spa rituals, onsen baths, or SmartBeds at capsule hotels, Tokyo is proving that self-care here is both serious and accessible.

Travelers to Tokyo are fighting jet lag and stress. Here’s what they’ll find.

November 8, 2025November 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

No city in the world stresses you out quite like Tokyo. With its narrow streets, densely packed subways and frenetic pace, it’s no wonder the Japanese capital also has a famous wellness culture to treat the inevitable anxiety.

George Cleveland cancels DirecTV, but it hits him with a $40 fee 10 months later. Can a company charge you for a fee it never mentioned?

DirecTV charged me a $40 fee almost a year after I canceled — what can I do?

November 24, 2025November 7, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

George Cleveland cancels DirecTV, but it hits him with a $40 fee 10 months later. Can a company charge you for a fee it never mentioned?

Locked out of their Airbnb during a rainstorm, guests were billed $385 for the faulty keypad. Airbnb sided with the host, refusing to drop the unfair charge.

Locked out and charged $385 for getting into my Airbnb — is that fair?

May 11, 2026November 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

A couple faces a $385 charge after an Airbnb keypad fails during a rainstorm. The locksmith blames the weather, but Airbnb sides with the host. When weather wreaks havoc, should guests foot the bill?

Brian Dunn's rental car was unsafe to drive. When he tried to return it, Sixt slapped him with a $794 tow charge he never authorized.

Why is Sixt charging me $794 for a tow I never requested?

April 20, 2026November 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

All Brian Dunn needed for his business trip was a reliable rental car. Instead, he got a Nissan Sentra from Sixt that was unsafe to drive. And when he tried to return it, the car rental company slapped him with a $794 tow charge he never authorized.

Do you knock three times on the airplane fuselage before you board a flight? Or do you carry a lucky rabbit's foot on vacation? If you do, then you might be a superstitious traveler.

Travelers are becoming more superstitious. Here’s what they’re doing (and here’s what actually works)

November 2, 2025November 2, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Do you knock three times on the airplane fuselage before you board a flight? Or do you carry a lucky rabbit’s foot on vacation? If you do, then you might be a superstitious traveler.

Holiday travel brings risks like cancellations and illness. Experts say insurance is crucial this year, with policies offering more medical coverage. Learn strategies to protect your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's trip.

Everything you need to know about buying travel insurance for the holiday travel season

November 1, 2025November 1, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Erik Wright booked a trip to Europe last Christmas, he decided to add a travel insurance policy to his purchase. He’s glad he did.

Adrianna Gatlin was billed $2,450 for her daughter’s care after Pediatrix failed to send the right claim forms to her health share group, Medishare. Months of delays led to collections — but she was covered. What can you do when a provider refuses to help process your medical claim?

I have a $2,450 bill from my medical provider. But I’m covered!

October 31, 2025October 31, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Adrianna Gatlin is facing a $2,450 debt after Pediatrix Medical Group bills her directly for medical services. Why didn’t it send her the correct form to process her claim?