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.

They flew first class for free and here’s how you can, too

February 5, 2024October 30, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

A “free” first-class upgrade is the Holy Grail of air travel. Sam did it with one of the most sought-after premium sections on the planet.

Who’s responsible for this pilfered luggage?

May 18, 2025October 30, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Beth Graham’s daughter’s luggage is pilfered, but it’s not clear who is responsible — the TSA or her airline.

Shawn Corridan wants a refund for a decade's worth of phone service he never used. But is this a legitimate request?

This Verizon mistake cost him big time!

February 5, 2024October 29, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Shawn Corridan wants a refund for a decade’s worth of phone service he never used. But is this a legitimate request?

Ron didn't have the right combination of train ticket and membership card on his recent trip. A conductor demanded an extra 75 euros.

You have the wrong BahnCard — that’ll be 75 euros!

February 5, 2024October 26, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Ron didn’t have the right combination of train ticket and membership card on his recent trip. A conductor demanded an extra 75 euros.

You might notice a scathing write-up by Christian Crane, a.k.a. DutchOven, who referred to his stay as "a comedy of errors.

Should Hilton have the last word on this TripAdvisor takedown?

July 15, 2024October 24, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

You might notice a scathing write-up by Christian Crane, a.k.a. DutchOven, who referred to his stay as “a comedy of errors.

Airlines do it by quietly restricting the terms on their tickets. Cruise lines resort to good old-fashioned salesmanship.

Is there a cure for the upselling epidemic?

February 5, 2024October 24, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Airlines do it by quietly restricting the terms on their tickets. Cruise lines resort to good old-fashioned salesmanship.

After William Osborne's son dies unexpectedly, he asks Allegiant for a refund of his airline ticket. It refuses. Why?

Why won’t Allegiant refund my deceased son’s airfare?

February 5, 2024October 23, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

After William Osborne’s son dies unexpectedly, he asks Allegiant for a refund of his airline ticket. It refuses. Why?

Oops, wrong theater — how about a refund?

February 5, 2024October 22, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Arlene Verge’s theater tickets are for a performance in the wrong city. They’re also nonrefundable. Does she have any chance of getting her money back?

dollar

Double-booked on Dollar — does CarRentals.com owe me a refund?

February 5, 2024October 20, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Mike Danish says he lost his car rental reservation made online through Carrentals.com recently.

Is seaweed a legitimate reason to cancel your vacation rental and receive a full refund for your deposit? Susan Dorsey thinks so

Seaweed on the shores — can I get a refund for my vacation rental deposit?

February 5, 2024October 19, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Is seaweed a legitimate reason to cancel your vacation rental and receive a full refund for your deposit?