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.

I get a plea for help from someone like Eugene Teow, who appeared to have been scammed on a recent trip to Australia.

Ridiculous or not? Oops, I forgot to check my credit card statement

January 22, 2024September 21, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

It happens all the time.

$United Airlines downgraded Donald Buisman and his wife on a recent anniversary trip. So how much does the airline think the downgrade is worth?$

United Airlines downgraded me — but where’s my refund?

January 22, 2024September 20, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Donald Buisman splurged on his flight from Kansas City to St. John in the US Virgin Islands by booking two first class seats on United Airlines. After all, it was his fifth wedding anniversary, and he could pay with a combination of miles and money: 45,841 points and $1,747.

Hotwire's low-price guarantee says you can be "sure they’re the lowest prices you’ll find." But that's not what Carol McCoy discovered.

Can this trip be saved? Hotwire didn’t have the best hotel — or the best deal

January 22, 2024September 19, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Hotwire’s low-price guarantee says you can be “sure they’re the lowest prices you’ll find.” But that’s not what Carol McCoy discovered when she booked a hotel in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on a recent holiday weekend.

I recently purchased Amtrak tickets to Reno, Nev., on my American Express card. For the roundtrip ticket that cost $156.

Help, my Amtrak tickets were accidentally canceled

January 22, 2024September 16, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Mel Jung’s Amtrak tickets are canceled accidentally, and he’s forced to pay a $236 for a new ticket. No one is taking the responsibility for the error. Is he stuck with the higher fare?

When I made the reservation for my wife, I specifically told them we did not want their extra insurance coverage.

She declined insurance but then signed for it anyway

January 22, 2024September 9, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Ted Van Anne’s wife isn’t an experienced traveler, but she knows she declined the optional car rental insurance. So why is Dollar charging her an extra $20 a day for her car? And can the charge be reversed?

Ridiculous or not? Going out of your way to avoid planes

January 22, 2024September 7, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

We’re a nation of drivers, no doubt about it.

When she tried to book the "Great Rivers of Europe" tour through Grand Circle Travel, the experience was less than great.

Is this enough compensation? You missed your deadline — here’s a voucher

January 22, 2024September 6, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

It was supposed to be the vacation of a lifetime for Johanna Robles and her extended family of 19, which included her husband, children and grandchildren. But when she tried to book the “Great Rivers of Europe” tour through Grand Circle Travel, the experience was less than great.

Christopher Elliott

Ridiculous or not? Oops, I forgot to check my credit card statement

United Airlines downgraded me — but where’s my refund?

Can this trip be saved? Hotwire didn’t have the best hotel — or the best deal

Help, my Amtrak tickets were accidentally canceled

She declined insurance but then signed for it anyway

Ridiculous or not? Going out of your way to avoid planes

Is this enough compensation? You missed your deadline — here’s a voucher

Can this trip be saved? “This was the worst vacation any of us have ever taken”

Help! I’ve been ‘walked’ to a motel

Can this trip be saved? They lost my great-grandmother’s luggage, and I want it back

Christopher Elliott

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