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.

Car shaming is on the rise, with individuals criticized for driving gas-powered vehicles. Driven by social pressure and shifting sustainability views, it's essential to handle car shamers with grace, deflecting criticism and avoiding confrontations. Respecting individual choices and promoting constructive dialogue can create a more inclusive transportation culture. As the summer road trip season begins, being aware of car shaming and its implications can help navigate the complex world of sustainable transportation.

What’s car shaming, and how do you avoid it on your next road trip?

May 26, 2025May 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

There’s nothing like a road trip this summer — if you can get past the shame of it.

This summer, safeguard your checked luggage with essential tips from travel expert Christopher Elliott. Discover strategies to prevent theft, such as using TSA-approved locks, tracking devices, and smart packing techniques. Learn how to report pilfered luggage promptly and consider alternative luggage services to ensure your belongings arrive safely.

Pro tips for keeping your checked luggage safe when you fly this summer

November 24, 2025May 17, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Eamonn Turley lost his laptop charger and designer sunglasses on a recent flight from Dublin to New York.

Scott Rosenblatt canceled an Uber Eats order within 30 seconds but was slapped with a cancellation fee—even though the restaurant hadn’t started preparing his food. After Uber refused a refund, he disputed the charge with his credit card company… and won. Uber retaliated by blocking his account indefinitely. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott stepped in, exposing Uber’s harsh policy of banning users who win chargebacks. Following advocacy, Uber quietly reinstated Scott’s account but ignored questions about its flawed system. A stark warning: Disputing charges with gig platforms can backfire, leaving customers locked out of essential services.

Banned by Uber after I won my credit card dispute — can you help?

May 17, 2025May 16, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Scott Rosenblatt canceled his Uber Eats order but still had to pay for it. Now Uber is blocking his account. Can he get them to drop the charges and unfreeze his account?

When Nicholas Chandler rented an Avis car for one day, a rear-end crash led to a jaw-dropping $7,671 charge for 29 days of “loss of use” — despite the other driver being at fault. His insurance refused payment, citing vague billing. Avis’ claims partner, Sedgwick, admitted a possible error but offered no resolution. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott uncovered internal confusion: Avis had charged Chandler the maximum daily rate as if he’d kept the car. After intervention, Avis refunded $7,000, admitting the mistake. A cautionary tale of rental car pitfalls and the fight against controversial “loss of use” fees.

Help! Avis charged me $7,671 for a one-day car rental

November 4, 2025May 14, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Nicholas Chandler was rear-ended while driving an Avis rental car. Even though the other driver was at fault, Avis charged him for the entire time the car was out of commission. Can he get a refund?

Dawn Nelson's trip to Oaxaca turned into a refund nightmare when Booking.com canceled her hotel reservations. After weeks of repeated requests for documentation, she felt stuck in a loop. Learn how she navigated the process and ultimately secured a $2,948 refund for her accommodations.

This is ridiculous! Booking.com owes me $2,948 and I’m stuck in some kind of loop

May 13, 2025May 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Dawn Nelson’s trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Day of the Dead celebrations should have been a memorable experience.

As airlines tighten carry-on luggage rules, travelers face new challenges. Eddie Cannon's experience with Delta highlights the growing scrutiny. Discover essential tips for packing smarter, complying with regulations, and avoiding extra fees. Learn how to navigate the changing landscape of airline carry-on policies for a smoother travel experience.

Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here’s what to do about it.

July 15, 2025May 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines tightening their carry-on luggage rules? Passengers like Eddie Cannon believe the answer is “yes.”

Auckland, New Zealand, is leading the way in regenerative tourism, focusing on environmental restoration and community engagement. From planting native trees at Velskov Forest Farm to conservation efforts on Tiritiri Matangi Island, discover how local initiatives are transforming tourism into a force for good in the environment.

How Auckland’s green transformation is shifting from sustainability to regeneration

May 26, 2025May 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Forget sustainable tourism. In forward-looking destinations like New Zealand, it’s all about regenerative tourism.

Shira Newman encountered a frustrating situation when she was charged three times for a single ticket to a Ms. Pat show. Despite the event organizer agreeing to refund the duplicates, Eventbrite's fees remained a hurdle. After escalating her complaint, she ultimately received a full refund, including the fees.

Ms. Pat fan faces an Eventbrite fee fiasco. Can she get a refund?

May 10, 2025May 9, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Shira Newman buys one ticket to a Ms. Pat show but ends up with three. Why can’t she get a full refund for the two unwanted tickets? And why isn’t Eventbrite helping her?

After Steve Eliason booked a hotel near Glacier National Park, he faced a $169 charge when the hotel closed unexpectedly due to the owner's labor. Frustrated with Hotels.com, he sought help. Learn how he navigated the situation and ultimately secured a refund for his canceled reservation.

How to get a refund after a hotel closure: My $169 battle with Hotels.com

May 8, 2025May 7, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Eliason cancels a hotel booked through Hotels.com after the owner goes into labor and closes the property. But Hotels.com still charges him for the room. What happens when a third-party booking site fails to honor a cancellation?

Corwin Simmonds encountered a frustrating $457 overcharge from Budget after renting a car in France. Despite multiple unauthorized charges and poor customer service, he persisted in seeking a resolution. Learn how he navigated the process and ultimately secured a refund for the erroneous charges.

Budget overcharge: I paid an extra $457 for my car rental in France!

December 20, 2025May 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Corwin Simmonds rented a car from Budget in Marseille, France, he never expected a simple transaction to become a frustrating ordeal with multiple overcharges and a bewildering lack of customer service.