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.

If you live on the East Coast of the United States then you're probably thinking about the weather this weekend.

It’s cold out there — don’t you wish you were here?

January 19, 2024December 5, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

If you live on the East Coast of the United States — and most folks reading this site do — then you’re probably thinking about the weather this weekend. Complaining about it, to be exact.

I have recently had a problem with Hotels.com, and I hope you can help me. I called them to reserve one room at a Holiday Inn.

Two rooms with one bed — and no refund

January 19, 2024December 3, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

When Nula Fales’ granddaughters are charged for an extra room, she appeals to her online travel agent for help. But it won’t return her money, even though she didn’t mean to reserve two rooms. Is she out of luck?

The TSA Transportation Security Administration's little body-scanning/pat-down problem isn't just keeping us media types busy.

Lawsuits against TSA are piling up quickly

January 19, 2024December 2, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration’s little body-scanning/pat-down problem isn’t just keeping us media types busy. Lawyers are having a field day with it, too.

Betcha Steve Jobs never thought his iPad would help retrieve baby food from a TSA checkpoint. But these are strange times.

TSA agents return confiscated baby food after mom pulls out iPad

January 19, 2024November 30, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Betcha Steve Jobs never thought his iPad would help retrieve baby food from a TSA checkpoint. But these are strange times.

The TSA body-scan/pat-down crisis isn't over -- yet. Yes, National-Opt Out Day is history, with both sides incorrectly declaring victory.

TSA trouble: It’s not over yet

January 19, 2024November 26, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The TSA body-scan/pat-down crisis isn’t over — yet.

Maybe you aren't a member of Congress, a visiting dignitary, working pilot exempt from a full-body scan or "enhanced" pat-down by the TSA.

Are you exempt from a TSA screening? The list is growing, and you just might be on it

January 25, 2024November 23, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Maybe you aren’t a senior member of Congress, a visiting dignitary or a working pilot — three of the most high-profile groups of air travelers who are exempt from a full-body scan or “enhanced” pat-down by the Transportation Security Administration.

Sommer Gentry had plans to fly from Baltimore to Charlotte next month. But after she heard about the scanners TSA she decided to cancel.

Some airlines refunding tickets for passengers who fear pat-downs

January 25, 2024November 22, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Sommer Gentry had plans to fly from Baltimore to Charlotte next month. But after she heard about the TSA’s invasive new scanning and pat-down procedures, she decided to cancel.

TSA this afternoon sent a defiant holiday travel message to air travelers: Prepare to be patted down. Read the full script.

TSA sends defiant “holiday travel message” to air travelers: Prepare to be patted down

January 25, 2024November 20, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

TSA this afternoon sent a defiant “holiday travel message” to air travelers: Prepare to be patted down.

The days of the TSA Transportation Security Administration's controversial "enhanced" pat-downs may be numbered.

Congress calls on TSA to review pat-downs as agency backs off crew screening

January 25, 2024November 19, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The days of the Transportation Security Administration’s controversial “enhanced” pat-downs may be numbered.

The case of Samantha McCormick, a 23-year-old Hotwire customer whose car rental rate unexpectedly doubled.

My car rental rate doubled — should I split the difference with Hotwire?

January 19, 2024November 16, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to fixing travel problems, every happy ending isn’t necessarily a Hollywood ending. Consider the case of Samantha McCormick, a 23-year-old Hotwire customer whose car rental rate unexpectedly doubled.