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.

Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

Should you pay extra for an airline seat assignment?

November 21, 2025May 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

Travel insurance is essential for summer vacations, safeguarding against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It typically covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays, and emergency assistance, ensuring peace of mind while traveling. Without it, travelers risk significant financial losses and stress during their trips. Travel insurance is crucial for summer vacations, protecting against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It generally covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays, and emergency assistance, providing peace of mind. Without it, travelers face potential financial losses and added stress during their journeys.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation?

May 11, 2026May 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

With vacation season just around the corner, many travelers are asking themselves: Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation?

When Jaime Oviedo damages her T-Mobile phone, the company promises her insurance will cover the repair. But now her insurance company, Assurant, refuses to help. Is there a way to get this straightened out?

Why won’t Assurant pay my cell phone damage claim?

May 3, 2025May 2, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Jaime Oviedo damages her T-Mobile phone, the company promises her insurance will cover the repair. But now her insurance company, Assurant, refuses to help. Is there a way to get this straightened out?

American Airlines changes Erica Remer's flight without telling her. Now she's trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won't the airline help her?

American Airlines refund policy: How to get your money back after a flight schedule change

May 29, 2025April 30, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines changes Erica Remer’s flight without telling her. Now she’s trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won’t the airline help her?

When Denise Elwell booked a Celebrity cruise, the last person she expected to have a dispute with was her travel advisor.

Celebrity Cruises overcharged me $641: Can my travel advisor legally keep the refund?

April 30, 2025April 28, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Denise Elwell booked a Celebrity cruise, the last person she expected to have a dispute with was her travel advisor.

Should airlines limit or ban alcohol on planes? Passengers like Jodi Smith have an opinion.

Should airlines ban alcohol on flights?

November 13, 2025April 27, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Should airlines limit or ban alcohol on planes? Passengers like Jodi Smith have an opinion.

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand's chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer.

How Air New Zealand’s bold sustainability experiment could make your next flight greener

July 7, 2025April 26, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Say the word “sustainable” around an airline executive, and they’ll probably try to change the subject. That’s because green air travel is a distant dream. But not for Air New Zealand.

There's a $1,365 charge on Hank Hu's PayPal account. Someone ordered a watch from Tag Heuer and shipped it to another state. Why won't PayPal help him?

Unauthorized $1,365 Tag Heuer PayPal charge: How to get your money back

April 26, 2025April 25, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

There’s a $1,365 charge on Hank Hu’s PayPal account. Someone ordered a watch from Tag Heuer and shipped it to another state. Why won’t PayPal help him?

Glenn Roberts gets a surprise bill for $1,357 two months after he returns his car to National. What is it for -- and why can't he get the car rental company to refund it?

How to dispute a $1,357 charge from National and get your money back

April 26, 2025April 23, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Glenn Roberts gets a surprise bill for $1,357 two months after he returns his car to National. What is it for — and why can’t he get the car rental company to refund it?

It seems airlines are constantly finding new ways to make flying more uncomfortable. But for Mary Ann and David DeMichael, AirTransat succeeded beyond its wildest dreams.

They paid for an extra legroom seat on AirTransat. Then they got a downgrade.

December 11, 2025April 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

It seems airlines are constantly finding new ways to make flying more uncomfortable. But for Mary Ann and David DeMichael, AirTransat succeeded beyond its wildest dreams.