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.

3 troubling ways the TSA punishes passengers who opt out

January 22, 2024January 9, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

If you don’t want to walk through a poorly tested full-body scanner you still have the right to opt out and submit to an “enhanced” pat-down.

Hey, where’s that refund on my all-inclusive vacation?

January 22, 2024January 5, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Matthew Del Bontago finds a better price on his seven-day, all-inclusive vacation and cancels his initial reservation. But more than eight weeks later there’s no refund. What’s taking so long?

An uncomfortable night at the Comfort Suites

January 22, 2024January 4, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

An uncomfortable night at the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites. How do you say “I’m sorry” for a really bad hotel stay?

Monique Vasanji is trying to sell her BMW. But the manufacturer won't supply her with a title. How does she fix that?

Help, my BMW dealership is holding my title hostage!

January 22, 2024January 3, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Monique Vasanji wants to get rid of her BMW, but there are two sticking points, the main one being: the title is missing. But who has it?

Uh-oh! My Expedia coupon had a little accident

January 22, 2024December 28, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The $50 Expedia coupon the agency promises Viola Wilson doesn’t arrive in one piece, and when she asks for a replacement, it sends her coupons. Shouldn’t it be sending her another card?

Is DirecTV guilty of “false advertising”?

January 22, 2024December 26, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

When Caren Rickert switches from Comcast to DirecTV, she’s unhappy with the service. But switching back may cost her $460, even though she’s only had DirecTV a few days. Is that fair?

Help! United left my 13-year-old daughter in Syracuse

January 22, 2024December 24, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

7 things you’ll love about the TSA

January 22, 2024December 23, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Special Agent Robert Flaherty knocked on my front door and handed me a subpoena. Nothing to love about the TSA, but they are wrong.

A long, bumpy ride to denied-boarding compensation

February 17, 2024December 22, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Tom Posch missed a weekend trip to Cleveland last summer after United Airlines overbooked his flight. Normally, travelers in Posch’s shoes would quietly accept the flight vouchers the airline offered as compensation.

Delta’s Ausband: “Customer service is very important to the bottom line”

April 22, 2024December 21, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s part two of my interview with Allison Ausband, Delta Air Lines’ vice president for reservations sales and customer care.