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'm all in favor of smart travel strategies, but there's a difference between being an enlightened passenger and being a liar.

Is travel hacking smart – or unethical?

January 28, 2024August 30, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

I’m all in favor of smart travel strategies, but there’s a difference between being an enlightened passenger and being a liar.

When Kristen Nordlund’s American Airlines flight is canceled, she’s promised a refund. But it never arrives. What now?

Hey American Airlines, where’s the refund for my canceled flight?

January 28, 2024August 29, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

When Kristen Nordlund’s American Airlines flight is canceled, she’s promised a refund. But it never arrives. What now?

Lisa Littlewood is overbilled by Verizon Wireless and it won't adjust her invoice. Why not?Verizon Wireless' "global" plan overcharged me.

Help! Verizon Wireless’ “global” plan overcharged me

January 28, 2024August 28, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Lisa Littlewood is overbilled by Verizon Wireless and it won’t adjust her invoice. Why not?Verizon Wireless’ “global” plan overcharged me.

Lindie Wilhelm and her sister didn't wait until their recent Princess cruise ended to "escape completely," they bailed out early.

Does she deserve a refund for this Princess cruise?

June 19, 2025August 26, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Should I send these Rube Goldberg ticket cases to the recycler?

January 28, 2024August 25, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Should I send these Rube Goldberg ticket cases to the recycler? I read Amy Zimmerman’s complaint about Aeroplan, Turkish Air and Swiss.

You don’t have to be an expert on photographic evidence to take snapshots of your rental car before you drive off the lot, but it helps.

When you’re traveling, a picture can be worth a thousand dollars

January 28, 2024August 24, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

You don’t have to be an expert on photographic evidence to take snapshots of your rental car before you drive off the lot, but it helps.

Two cheers for all those airline mergers. When I think about the benefits of airline mergers, I'm reminded of Karen Griffin's story.

Two cheers for all those airline mergers

January 28, 2024August 23, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Two cheers for all those airline mergers. When I think about the benefits of airline mergers, I’m reminded of Karen Griffin’s story.

When Patricia Clay's mother dies unexpectedly, US Airways promises to "consider" a refund of her change fees. Why won't it pay up?

Mom died, but US Airways won’t refund my fee

January 28, 2024August 22, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Fran Perry is curious about what happened to the valuables belonging to the Costa Concordia's victims. I dredge up an answer.

What happens to my valuables on a shipwreck?

January 27, 2024August 21, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Fran Perry is curious about what happened to the valuables belonging to the Costa Concordia’s victims. I dredge up an answer.

To get an idea how much airlines hate the 24-hour rule, consider recent attempted ticket purchase on XL Airways.

Flags and other funny ways around the 24-hour rule

January 27, 2024August 20, 2014 by Christopher Elliott