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 made it halfway up to the fourth floor before smoke started to pour out of the engine”

February 5, 2024August 25, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Don’t rent a car with a manual transmission. That’s the takeaway from Sean Snodgress’ unfortunate case with Europcar.

stop, wait, patience, hands, fingers, waiting, halt, end, finish, done, gesture

Air travelers’ complaints rise more than 20 percent, but where’s their breaking point?

December 15, 2023August 23, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

What’s your breaking point? When do you say “That’s it — I’m never flying again!” It’s no academic question for America’s airlines, which continue to provoke passengers with new fees, surcharges and rules. They want to know when passengers would rather stay home.

Ask Beth Souther to name her favorite travel gadget and she’ll tell you about her recent road trip from Wilmington, N.C., to Byfield, Mass.

Don’t let the road slow you down

February 1, 2024August 22, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Ask Beth Souther to name her favorite travel gadget and she’ll tell you about her recent road trip from Wilmington, N.C., to Byfield, Mass.

British Airways reschedules flights friend to arrive at Airport instead of Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

British Airways promised to reimburse us for the shuttle — why won’t it?

February 1, 2024April 24, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

British Airways reschedules flights friend to arrive at Airport instead of Baltimore-Washington International Airport.

Ralph Lagergren’s used 2011 Silverado LTZ Z-71 makes a ticking noise on the highway, why won’t Chevrolet fix it?

A ticking sound on my Silverado – why won’t Chevrolet help?

February 1, 2024April 23, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Ralph Lagergren’s used 2011 Silverado LTZ Z-71 makes a ticking noise on the highway, why won’t Chevrolet fix it?

Forced to return his Avis car to another location — what’s with this extra charge?

February 1, 2024April 21, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Man rented a car from Avis recently had a good reason — and also, paradoxically, didn’t have a good reason.

I prefer to stay out of the crossfire in my line of work. Yet I find myself in that situation with some regularity.

They were a “no show” for their flight home — should I keep pushing for a refund?

February 1, 2024April 20, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

I prefer to stay out of the crossfire in my line of work. Yet I find myself in that situation with some regularity.

We never asked for travel insurance — can we get our money back?

February 1, 2024April 17, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Her and her husband find a mysterious charge for travel insurance on their Amtrak Vacations bill. They never asked for insurance.

Stephen O'Donnell's new treadmill doesn't work. But the manufacturer won't take it back unless he disassembles it, boxes it up.

My new treadmill is off track — why won’t anyone fix it?

February 1, 2024April 16, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Stephen O’Donnell’s new treadmill doesn’t work. But the manufacturer won’t take it back unless he disassembles it, boxes it up.

Margaret Sheppard and her husband, Don, were loyal United Airlines customers. They flew United whenever they could.

United Airlines gets it dead wrong (but it’s still right)

February 1, 2024April 14, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Margaret Sheppard and her husband, Don, were loyal United Airlines customers. They flew United whenever they could.