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.

To fall into my dreaded "case dismissed" file, a lot of things have to go wrong. That's the situation David Bialke and his wife are facing.

No visa and no flight credit – who’s responsible for this mess?

January 29, 2024December 9, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

To fall into my dreaded “case dismissed” file, a lot of things have to go wrong. That’s the situation David Bialke and his wife are facing.

She received an email from United Airlines that her a.m. flight had been changed. The airline assured her it was a minor adjustment.

Caught between United, Expedia and a useless ticket to Fort Lauderdale

March 27, 2024December 8, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

She received an email from United Airlines that her a.m. flight had been changed. The airline assured her it was a minor adjustment.

Solving the credit card “hold” mystery

January 29, 2024December 7, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

The credit card hold mystery happened to Judith Searcy when she stayed at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront in Oregon this summer.

Airlines are considering a new class of service — and I use the term "class" loosely — called economy "minus."

It’s time to kill economy class

January 29, 2024December 6, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Airlines are considering a new class of service — and I use the term “class” loosely — called economy “minus.”

Gary Murray's credit card is declined when he buys an AirTran ticket, but he doesn't find out until he gets to the gate.

AirTran declined my credit card and now I have to buy a new ticket

January 29, 2024December 5, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Gary Murray’s credit card is declined when he buys an AirTran ticket, but he doesn’t find out until he gets to the gate.

“Multiple, invasive” repairs on my air conditioning unit – can you help?

January 29, 2024December 4, 2014 by Christopher Elliott

Dan Gallagher’s Bryant air conditioning unit has multiple, invasive damage and doesn’t work right. Who is responsible for fixing it?

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.