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.

Can this trip be saved? Stranded 12 hours on the tarmac after earthquake

January 20, 2024March 28, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Not all of the survivor stories coming out of Japan in the wake of the tragic earthquake involve tsunamis or exploding nuclear reactors.

You said it: Virgin America is “thinking outside the box”

January 20, 2024March 27, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

I’ve written about Virgin America several times in the recent past, and have even had a chance to fly with it.

Do horses zipline? How we discovered the answer on Maui

January 20, 2024March 27, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Horses aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hawaii. Palm trees. Pineapple plantations. Luau. Hula, maybe.

It’s been another interesting week for the TSA

January 20, 2024March 25, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

It’s been another interesting week for the TSA.

‘Am I in some kind of bureaucratic travel hell?’

January 20, 2024March 25, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Peggy Kite’s flights from Washington to Bozeman, Mont., are rescheduled by her airline, leaving her with an abbreviated connection time — and an expanded bill. Specifically, there’s an extra charge of $1,534. How does she get that removed?

Who has the worst fees in the travel industry? Here’s the surprise answer

January 20, 2024March 24, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Will the industry with the worst fees please stand up and take a bow?

Ridiculous or not? When a “fuel surcharge” costs more than an airline ticket

January 20, 2024March 23, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

When Walter Nissen signed up for a British Airways Chase Visa card recently, he though he’d be jetting off to London after earning just 50,000 miles.

Is this enough compensation? A $300 refund for an oil-soaked vacation

January 24, 2024March 22, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Fort Morgan, Ala., is a quiet Gulf Coast resort known for its sparkling white sand beaches. Well, usually.

Can this trip be saved? My airline tickets were canceled against my will

January 20, 2024March 21, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

As far as most airlines are concerned, if you cancel your tickets, your options are pretty simple: You have a year to use them. Or you can let the credit expire, and it keeps your money.

Stop obsessing over airfares, and buy now

January 20, 2024March 20, 2011 by Christopher Elliott

Should I wait for a fare sale or buy my airline ticket now?