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 wish I could help David Campbell. He says he has a "sticky" situation with Avis which "may be unresolvable." And I think he's right.

Here’s why you should always, always, always read your car rental confirmation

February 19, 2024December 2, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

I wish I could help David Campbell. He says he has a “sticky” situation with Avis which “may be unresolvable.” And I think he’s right.

Government fines against airlines for consumer rule violations are on track to hit a six-year low as U.S. DOT’s enforcement actions shift.

Federal government wraps up quiet year for traveler protections

January 29, 2024November 30, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Government fines against airlines for consumer rule violations are on track to hit a six-year low as U.S. DOT’s enforcement actions shift.

Tamara Lustig books a room at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, but when the property offers her the wrong accommodations. Can she get a refund?

A “sticky” situation at the Omni

January 29, 2024November 28, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Tamara Lustig books a room at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, but when the property offers her the wrong accommodations. Can she get a refund?

Paypal closed Hunter Roquemore's account after he sold a computer on eBay. How can he unfreeze it? He needs help.

My PayPal account is frozen – can you unfreeze it?

December 6, 2024November 27, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Paypal closed Hunter Roquemore’s account after he sold a computer on eBay. How can he unfreeze it? He needs help.

Deborah Gray's rental car broke down and she wants her money back. Hertz won't pay her. She'd like me to encourage the company to reconsider.

I want a full refund for my broken down rental car

January 29, 2024November 24, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Deborah Gray’s rental car broke down and she wants her money back. Hertz won’t pay her. She’d like me to encourage the company to reconsider.

The "comfort" coach seats for which she'd paid had been changed. The airline re-seated her two rows away from her husband.

Hey airlines, enough with the musical chairs!

January 29, 2024November 22, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

The “comfort” coach seats for which she’d paid had been changed. The airline re-seated her two rows away from her husband.

Even though Linda Troop pays for parking while she’s a guest at an Econo Lodge, she receives a parking ticket. Who has to pay?

Why won’t Econo Lodge pay my parking ticket?

April 29, 2024November 21, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Even though Linda Troop pays for parking while she’s a guest at an Econo Lodge, she receives a parking ticket. Who has to pay?

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.