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.

Charles Shapiro and his wife visit Budapest, Hungary, every year, but this time it's her 80th birthday, it might be the last trip.

Here’s a cautionary tale about naming your own price for a hotel

January 29, 2024November 19, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Charles Shapiro and his wife visit Budapest, Hungary, every year, but this time it’s her 80th birthday, it might be the last trip.

It may be one of those times where my involvement in a case affected the outcome in a way it shouldn't have.

A burned-out clutch and a broken down case

November 13, 2024November 18, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

It may be one of those times where my involvement in a case affected the outcome in a way it shouldn’t have.

Jane Berryman was supposed to fly from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Tirana, Albania, via Rome. At least that's what her itinerary said.

I wasn’t “protected” on my flight to Tirana — should my travel agent pay?

January 29, 2024November 17, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Jane Berryman was supposed to fly from Dubrovnik, Croatia, to Tirana, Albania, via Rome. At least that’s what her itinerary said.

Is the travel industry winning the propaganda war?

Is the travel industry winning the propaganda war?

September 24, 2024November 15, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Is the travel industry winning the propaganda war? Are you so used to hearing certain catchphrases that you’ve become desensitized to them?

Returns Hertz rental car an hour late and is billed an extra $134 for it. Is this a misunderstanding between Hotwire

Charged an extra $134 for my rental car because I’m an hour late

January 29, 2024November 14, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Returns Hertz rental car an hour late and is billed an extra $134 for it. Is this a misunderstanding between Hotwire

Elaine orders a mystery box from an online retailer. It's short by two items. Why won't the retailer replace the missing merchandise?

This “chunk of junk” isn’t what I thought it would be

January 29, 2024November 13, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Elaine orders a mystery box from an online retailer. It’s short by two items. Why won’t the retailer replace the missing merchandise?

A case flutters across my desk with so many red flags about Hideaway Inn that I have to sit down for a few minutes to catch my breath.

Wish I could forget about the Hideaway Inn

January 29, 2024November 10, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

A case flutters across my desk with so many red flags about Hideaway Inn that I have to sit down for a few minutes to catch my breath.

Let's hear it for the travel heroes. The Houston airline agent held a United Airlines flight for a passenger visiting his dying mother.

Let’s hear it for the travel heroes!

January 29, 2024November 8, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Let’s hear it for the travel heroes. The Houston airline agent held a United Airlines flight for a passenger visiting his dying mother.

When Katherine LaFaso returns her Enterprise rental, she’s charged $500 for damages she says existed before she picked up the car.

I didn’t damage my rental car, so why do I have to pay?

June 7, 2025November 7, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

The Republicans took over control of the US Senate Tuesday's midterm elections. Now I'm not saying Republicans are the bad guys.

Why don’t you start your own airline and other ridiculous post-election suggestions

January 29, 2024November 6, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

The Republicans took over control of the US Senate Tuesday’s midterm elections. Now I’m not saying Republicans are the bad guys.