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.

I need help un-joining a travel club

February 5, 2024October 5, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

The letters between Michael Lefelstein and Island Trader Vacations are increasingly desperate. Turns out he joined a travel club.

For travel companies and their customers, the distrust is mutual

February 5, 2024October 4, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

It’s a question seldom asked. But when I checked into the Mountain Sky Guest Ranch near Emigrant, Mont., this week, I couldn’t help it.

Why good behavior is your most valuable travel asset

February 5, 2024October 3, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Don’t forget to pack your manners. Not because polite travelers are treated better, but because impolite ones are treated worse.

Is something wrong with Hotwire’s smoking filter?

February 5, 2024October 2, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When Michelle Palenschat books a room through Hotwire, she ends up in a smoking room. Can the company do that?

The hidden cost of ‘stupid’ tourists

June 20, 2024October 1, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Tourists do the dumbest things. If you don’t believe me, then maybe you should have joined me on my drive through Yellowstone National Park yesterday.

Hey Uber, where’s my $55?

February 23, 2024October 1, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Latonya Holloway calls Uber for a pickup. But when it doesn’t show up, she’s charged anyway. Is there any hope for a refund?

Do Americans really make 15 million “bogus” hotel reservations a year?

February 5, 2024September 30, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

American travelers make approximately 15 million “bogus” hotel bookings a year more than the 2.5 million reservations previously believed

Denied boarding and turned down by insurance — can I help this reader?

February 5, 2024September 29, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When Jennifer contacted me, I thought she had an excellent chance of getting a partial refund from her travel insurance company.

The VRBO scammers strike again! But can I help?

February 5, 2024September 28, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When I read Grace Lou’s email, I couldn’t believe it. I thought this problem had already been fixed. But it was staring me in the face.

Dreaded fees come to vacation rentals

February 5, 2024September 26, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Vacation rental companies are piling on the fees, many of them pure junk. Among the most common: fees for booking, changes and cleaning.