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.

Since the government has been unresponsive to my requests to clarify its new security measures, I thought it would be best to publish the security directive in its entirety.

Leaked security directive: Full text of pat-down authorization

January 19, 2024December 27, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Since the government has been unresponsive to my requests to clarify its new security measures, I thought it would be best to publish the security directive in its entirety.

The TSA has ordered airlines to perform a manual pat-down screening of all passengers on inbound international flights.

TSA orders pat-down of all passengers during boarding

January 19, 2024December 27, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration has ordered airlines to perform a manual pat-down screening of all passengers on inbound international flights, “concentrating on upper legs and torso,” according to a memo sent to US Airways employees. The search must be performed by airline personnel during the boarding process, in addition to the regular screening at the checkpoint.

Our friends at the Transportation Department have unleashed a blizzard of airline rule changes on us this morning.

New airline rules address tarmac delays, retroactive contract changes, disclosures

January 19, 2024December 21, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Our friends at the Transportation Department have unleashed a blizzard of airline rule changes on us this morning.

The TSA is promising a "full review" after the release of an unredacted version of its Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures.

Oops! Unredacted TSA manual released; “full review” underway by agency

January 19, 2024December 7, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration is promising a “full review” after the release of an unredacted version of its Screening Management Standard Operating Procedures over the weekend.

Ever wished there was a law that forces airlines to disclose all extras on their tickets? Right up front. While you're shopping for flights.

Clear Airfares Act of 2009 aims to expose hidden fees and taxes

January 19, 2024December 1, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Ever wished there was a law that forces airlines to disclose all extras on their tickets? Right up front. While you’re shopping for flights.

The Transportation Security Administration TSA likes to keep terrorists guessing. Apparently, it likes to keep travelers guessing, too.

With TSA air security, travelers are flying blind

January 19, 2024November 29, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration likes to keep terrorists guessing. Apparently, it likes to keep travelers guessing, too.

Jessica Siegel brought her sedan back to Avis in London recently. A few weeks later, she got a bill for triple the amount she'd expected.

A smashed window on my rental car — and a surprise bill

January 19, 2024November 27, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

James Thomson and a longtime friend, who is suffering from terminal cancer, ran into trouble with their flights.

Thank you! United fixes “last vacation” for terminal cancer patient

January 19, 2024November 26, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a heart-warming story for the Thanksgiving holiday: James Thomson and a longtime friend, who is suffering from terminal cancer, ran into trouble with their flights from San Francisco to Bali. One leg of Thompson’s flight was canceled, which threatened to end his friend’s final vacation.