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.

Why hotels are happy to accommodate guest requests — up to a point

February 6, 2024October 13, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

When Jim Reid checks into a Westin hotel, he inevitably catches a whiff of a “woody cedar and vanilla” scent called White Tea. It’s a pleasant smell to most guests, but not to him.

My grocery store rebate is missing in action — can you help me retrieve it?

February 6, 2024October 13, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

When Melissa Drozdowski’s MillerCoors grocery rebate never arrives, she considers taking legal action against the company. Can a consumer advocate fix this — or should she file a lawsuit?

Can’t go to Florida — can I get back my fare saver code from Southwest Airlines?

February 6, 2024October 12, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

James Cheung’s family vacation is washed out because of Hurricane Matthew. So is his Southwest Airlines 50-percent discount that he received after this summer’s IT meltdown. Can our advocacy team recover it?

There’s a hurricane coming, but Spirit Airlines has a hand out

February 6, 2024October 12, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

With Hurricane Matthew bearing down on South Carolina, Brenda Williams has to cancel her vacation. Why won’t Spirit Airlines offer her a full refund?

Let’s ban emotional-support animals from the skies

February 6, 2024October 11, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Is it time to ground emotional-support animals for good?

These travel hacks just don’t work (so don’t even try)

February 6, 2024October 10, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Philip Pragados thought he’d discovered a perfect travel hack: sharing his TSA PreCheck number, also called a “Known Traveler Number,” with a friend.

So you wanna stay at the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa Bora Bora? Not with your rewards points

August 14, 2023October 8, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

If you think loyalty programs are a win-win, meet Elizabeth Poon. She doesn’t feel like much of a winner right now.

Renault got me lost — can you help me find a refund?

February 6, 2024October 7, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

James DiProspero’s rental car is getting him lost. Is the company responsible for hours of missed vacation time?

Hey United Airlines, where are my 180,000 frequent flier miles?

February 6, 2024October 4, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

Although we almost never get involved in loyalty program cases, Nancy Taylor’s was an exception. And even though we tried to help, our advocacy team came up empty-handed.

Why you’re stealing from your travel company

February 6, 2024October 2, 2016 by Christopher Elliott

When you think of stealing from a travel company, swiping a towel or bathrobe from a hotel probably comes to mind.