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 TSA headlines you thought you’d never see

January 22, 2024June 17, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Guess what? The TSA’s controversial full-body scanners are safe, after all.

Do you trust GPS directions?

January 22, 2024June 16, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

If you have a driver’s license, chances are that you also have an amusing story about GPS directions. Here’s mine.

My dog needs to have surgery. No, seriously.

January 22, 2024June 15, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

When Allan Keiter’s dog needs major surgery, he’s forced to cancel his Caribbean vacation. But his hotel won’t let him reschedule his vacation. Why not?

This summer, airlines are taking “ridiculous” to the next level

January 12, 2025June 13, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you hear from someone like Stewart Sheinfeld, a reader from Chicago who is flying to Morelia, Mexico, on the discount airline Volaris.

So you have a screen shot of your Expedia booking — so what?

January 22, 2024June 12, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

One of the cardinal rules of getting better customer service is keeping meticulous records. When you’re booking online, a screen shot of the purchase is your trump card.

Are new airline fees anti-family?

January 22, 2024June 9, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

If you didn’t know any better, you might think that the airline industry crossed yet another line just before the Memorial Day holiday, the traditional start of the busy summer travel season.

Nothing says “I’m sorry” like airline miles

January 22, 2024June 8, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Renata Fidman’s outbound flight is delayed because of mechanical problems, so is her return flight. The compensation? A form letter and a few frequent flier miles. Is it enough?

Budget threatens customer with lawsuit, garnishment after he questions damage claim

January 24, 2025June 7, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Just in case you thought my recent critique of the car rental industry’s damage claims practices was over the top — and I assure you, it wasn’t — let me introduce you to Jonathan Kiluk.

The mystery of Oyster Bay’s energy fee deepens

January 22, 2024June 6, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Last month, I reported on the possible re-emergence of energy fees in the hotel industry. Today, I have some good news for you — and an update from the hotel that allegedly charged the fee to one guest.

Vampire bugs ruined my honeymoon

August 31, 2024June 5, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Rachel Meredith’s account of her honeymoon reads like a script from a National Lampoon’s Vacation movie — minus the funny.