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.

As she passed through the security checkpoint she asked a TSA agent to "opt out" of being screened by a full-body scanner.

5 things you should never say to a TSA screener

January 22, 2024August 19, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

It happened to Ann Holley again last week. As she passed through the security checkpoint at Atlanta’s busy airport, she asked a TSA agent to “opt out” of being screened by a full-body scanner.

Gordon White is 79. Kevin Chang is 24. Both recently tried to rent cars but ran into trouble because of their age.

Should travel companies be allowed to practice age discrimination?

January 22, 2024August 18, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Gordon White is 79. Kevin Chang is 24. Both recently tried to rent cars but ran into trouble because of their age.

Upon booking a stay through Hotels.com in Ocean City, Md., the traveler arrived to find the hotel closed for the season.

Hang on — are you sure your hotel’s closed for the season?

January 22, 2024August 17, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

When Steve Broman tries to check in to his hotel, he finds that it’s closed for the season. Now Hotels.com won’t give him a refund until it can confirm the hotel is closed. How long should he have to wait?

When Michele Buescher reserved a room at the Super 8 property, through Priceline, she knew she had a limited time to cancel her stay.

So you canceled your hotel reservation — prove it!

January 22, 2024August 16, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

When Michele Buescher reserved a room at the Super 8 property in Frankfort, Ind., through Priceline, she knew she had a limited time to cancel her stay.

It's hard to find anyone who likes the new United Airlines. Even at United Airlines. Can it fix itself? Can it do better?

Can United Airlines fix itself?

November 29, 2023August 14, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

It’s hard to find anyone who likes the new United Airlines. Even at United Airlines.

I'm expecting a call from Heather's agent. That's because she owes the agency for a plane ticket-- or at least, that's what they claim.

Her plans changed, but now her travel agent wants her to pay up

January 22, 2024August 13, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Any day now, I’m expecting a call from Heather Barksdale’s travel agent. That’s because she owes the agency for a plane ticket to Europe — or at least, that’s what they claim.

A poll that suggested more than half of all Americans believe the TSA is doing a "good" or "excellent" job.

Are you one of the TSA’s unwitting accomplices?

January 22, 2024August 12, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

I would have given anything to be a fly on the wall at the Gallup Organization last week after it released a poll that suggested more than half of all Americans believe the TSA is doing a “good” or “excellent” job.

Maryrose Solis snagged a $196 round-trip ticket during a Southwest Airlines fare sale celebrating its 3 millionth Facebook fan on August 3.

Did Southwest Airlines do enough for fare glitch victims?

January 22, 2024August 11, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

It was a weekend that Maryrose Solis would rather forget.

After British Airways cancels Donald Kne's flight, it refunds his tour operator. So why won't Overseas Adventure Travel pass the money along to him?

Can my tour operator pocket my airline refund?

January 22, 2024August 10, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Donald Kne’s British Airways flight is canceled, and the carrier refunds the money to his tour operator. So why isn’t the company refunding the money back to him?

Oh, I know, I sound like a broken record by now, but consider what happened to David Balovich when he rented a car through Alamo

Is the car rental industry’s damage claims process fair to travelers?

January 22, 2024August 9, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Always, always, always take pictures of your rental car.