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.

It's been a week of run-ins between the TSA and its critics. Maybe the most interesting one was Sen. Rand Paul's vs TSA Chief John Pistole.

TSA Watch: Confronting an out-of-control agency

January 20, 2024June 25, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

It’s been a week of run-ins between the TSA and its critics. Maybe the most interesting one was Sen. Rand Paul’s vs TSA Chief John Pistole.

Another day, another TSA screening video. Ryan Miklus, with his parents for the Memorial Day weekend. The woman his mother, Carol.

TSA Watch: Did they really sexually assault his mother?

January 20, 2024June 4, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Another day, another TSA screening video. Ryan Miklus, with his parents for the Memorial Day weekend. The woman his mother, Carol.

Texas legislators have abandoned their efforts to restrict the TSA from screening air travelers with invasive and inappropriate pat-down.

TSA Watch: What Texas’ standoff with the feds really means

January 20, 2024May 28, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

By now, anyone with an Internet connection knows that Texas legislators have abandoned their efforts to restrict the TSA from screening air travelers with what some consider an invasive and inappropriate pat-down.

If the TSA wasn't violating our civil rights with its intrusive screening procedures, then all of this might be kind of funny.

Is the TSA America’s funniest federal agency?

January 20, 2024May 21, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

If the TSA wasn’t violating our civil rights with its intrusive screening procedures, as so many passengers claim, and as Texas Rep. David Simpson explains in his thoughtful commentary, then all of this might be kind of funny.

Disappointed traveler claims cheap caribbean failed to honor all-inclusive reservation, resulting in additional costs and lost vacation time.

The Travel Troubleshooter: Help! I paid twice for my all-inclusive vacation

October 24, 2024April 29, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Esther Mikula thought she booked an all-inclusive hotel in Aruba. But when she checks in, she discovers that the rate doesn’t include food, beverages and activities, as promised. Now she has to pay extra. Is she owed a refund?

Not so long ago, your frequent flier miles were gone when they expired. But not anymore. Paying a ransom to rescue your miles.

Ridiculous or not? Paying a ransom to rescue your frequent flier miles

January 20, 2024April 27, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Not so long ago, your frequent flier miles were gone when they expired. But not anymore.

Rachel Cabarcas's timing isn't the best. No, not because she has an expired awards problem she's sharing with us today.

Is this enough compensation? My Rapid Rewards expired and I can’t get them back

January 20, 2024April 26, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Rachel Cabarcas’s timing isn’t the best. No, not because she has an expired awards problem she’s sharing with us today, but because if she’d waited a little longer, then this probably wouldn’t have been a problem.

Can this trip be saved? No miles for my flight -- can you retrieve them for me? Here's a case on my desk. Should I say no?

Can this trip be saved? No miles for my flight — can you retrieve them for me?

January 20, 2024April 25, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a type of case that crosses my desk often, and to which I almost always say “no.” But should I?

I have just one question in the wake of the Transportation Department's so-called "historic" rulemaking on airline passenger rights.

Where’s the outrage?

January 20, 2024April 24, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

I have just one question in the wake of the Transportation Department’s so-called “historic” rulemaking on airline passenger rights.

It's been a "good news" kind of week for observers of our nation's TSA security apparatus. At least that's how the government is spinning it.

Are new warning and tracking systems enough to make us forget about TSA agents’ misdeeds?

January 20, 2024April 23, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

It’s been a “good news” kind of week for observers of our nation’s security apparatus. At least that’s how the government is spinning it.