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.

They confiscated 201,780 points — can you help me get them back?

January 24, 2024June 29, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

When Chase closes Robert Weisberg’s account and confiscates 201,000 points, he’s told he is out of options. But is he? The Travel Troubleshooter investigates.

A mostly true fish story with a truly unfortunate ending

January 23, 2024June 28, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Michael Patterson’s fish story is true. At least that what he says.

Help me get rid of these bogus moving charges, please!

January 23, 2024June 27, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Cala Woods is led to believe she won’t have to pay to move her DirecTV service. So why does she have to pay $230 to have her new subscription TV service “installed”?

How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler

January 23, 2024June 26, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

I’m excited to announce my next book project, How To Be The World’s Smartest Traveler: And Save Time, Money & Hassle.

Is your complaint being “form lettered”? Here are three ways to tell

January 23, 2024June 26, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

It was just a matter of time before corporations created the perfect form letter, capable of fooling a veteran consumer advocate. Or you.

Hey United, there are two Charlestons — learn to tell ’em apart

January 23, 2024June 25, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Don’t get your Charlestons confused. United Airlines did, and look at where it got Mo Shah and his family.

Privacy? There’s no such thing on the road

January 23, 2024June 23, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Recent revelations of the National Security Agency’s sweeping domestic surveillance programs may have angered many Americans, but for most travelers, it was nothing new.

My mother is terminally ill — why won’t Princess refund her cruise?

January 23, 2024June 22, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Shannon Tait’s mother is terminally ill and will miss that Alaska cruise with her sister. Can she get a refund from Princess? Read the surprising answer.

Help, my Hotwire hotel was a construction zone

January 23, 2024June 21, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

To say Michael Weaver was unhappy about the hotel he booked through Hotwire recently might be an understatement. He paid for a 4.5-star hotel in South Beach, but instead checked into a construction site.

The Livingsocial offer that wasn’t social at all

January 23, 2024June 20, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

After he buys four tickets for the Indy 500 through a coupon site, he learns he may not be sitting with his friends. Can he undo the purchase?