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.

A “best” rate guarantee with the worst service at Best Western

January 22, 2024March 14, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Best Western guarantees you’ll find the lowest rate on its website. Unless your name is Russ Thomas.

Who’s responsible for the scam epidemic?

January 22, 2024March 13, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

For the 12th year in a row, ID theft is the number-one complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced last week.

New airline rules yet to be enforced, even as DOT levies record fines

January 22, 2024March 11, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Back in August, you might recall, the Transportation Department adopted a set of tough new consumer-protection rules to help airline passengers. In January, it added even more.

Hey American Airlines, where’s my ticket refund?

January 22, 2024March 9, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines promises Tracy Wilkinson a bereavement discount in the form of a refund after her grandfather dies. But now it isn’t even responding to her inquiries. Why the radio silence?

Did my rental company just disappear with my deposit?

January 22, 2024March 8, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Tom Frankel rented an apartment last fall through an agency called UsaParis. When he left the rental, he says it was in immaculate condition, and like any responsible renter, he expected to get his $500 security deposit back promptly.

Maybe Delta’s best fare guarantee just got a little better

January 22, 2024March 7, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The roundrip airfare between Minneapolis and Washington that Kevin McDonald found on Delta Air Lines’ website came to $386 — not bad. But when he checked Expedia.com, he found the same tickets for $62 less.

Canceled, confused, contaminated — and then ripped off

October 27, 2024March 6, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Kristen Hoyle just had one of those flights that give the airline industry an awful reputation.

On travel sites, the pre-checked box checks out

January 22, 2024March 4, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

The pre-checked box, a clever technique that travel companies use to extract a few dollars more from customers booking their trips online, may be checking out.

If luggage fees are wrong, who pays?

June 24, 2024March 2, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

Carla Stewart believes she’s flying from Madrid to Cancun on Air Europa, and that her luggage fee is 60 Euros per bag. She’s wrong on both counts, and has to spend 500 Euros to transport her luggage on another airline. Who is responsible?

Can a car rental company double my rate because I’m not American?

January 22, 2024February 29, 2012 by Christopher Elliott

There’s something funny going on with car rental prices, and Hal Gordon wants answers.