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.

How can you tell if the city you plan to visit is safe? It's harder than ever to know. Here are some proven strategies.

Is the city I’m visiting safe? Here’s how savvy travelers can find out

November 8, 2025February 22, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

How can you tell if the city you plan to visit is safe? It’s harder than ever to know. Here are some proven strategies.

After David Fisher spends an extra 60 euros to get on a rescheduled Eiffel Tower tour, he wants to know if he can get a refund. Viator says yes -- and then no. How do you resolve this Viator problem?

Viator problem: I paid extra for my Eiffel Tower tour. Can I get my money back?

March 2, 2025February 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

After David Fisher spends an extra 60 euros to get on a rescheduled Eiffel Tower tour, he wants to know if he can get a refund. Viator says yes — and then no. How do you resolve this Viator problem?

Tom Scruggs pays Norwegian Airlines a $79 change fee to get on an earlier flight. But then the airline rebooks him on a later flight. Can he get a refund?

I paid extra to change my flight on Norwegian Airlines — can I get my money back?

March 2, 2025February 19, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Tom Scruggs pays Norwegian Airlines a $79 change fee to get on an earlier flight. But then the airline rebooks him on a later flight. Can he get a refund?

If you have a SeatGeek ticket problem, how much does the company have to do to make things right?

SeatGeek ticket problem: They couldn’t deliver my football game tickets — can I get my money back for travel expenses?

March 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

If you have a SeatGeek ticket problem, how much does the company have to do to make things right?

Say the word "free," and it's enough to make even the most experienced travelers lose their marbles. But free is one of the worst scams.

How do you avoid the world’s most dangerous travel scam? Don’t fall for something “free”

September 29, 2025February 16, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Say the word “free,” and it’s enough to make even the most experienced travelers lose their marbles.

Alice Mansergh, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

Does Ireland’s green tourism transformation make it worth a visit?

September 23, 2025February 15, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Ireland may be synonymous with lush green landscapes, but is the country also a green destination?

Brenda Franzman can't get a full refund for the furniture she returned to Sam's Club. How can she get the company's attention?

Why won’t Sam’s Club refund $481 for my furniture? It promised!

July 19, 2025February 14, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Emily Weir wants compensation from Lufthansa after her flights from New York to Delhi are delayed and rerouted. But Lufthansa won’t pay her a dime. What’s going on?

Lufthansa screwed up my flights to India. Do I deserve compensation?

August 7, 2025February 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Emily Weir wants compensation from Lufthansa after her flights from New York to Delhi are delayed and rerouted. But Lufthansa won’t pay her a dime. What’s going on?

Can Airbnb cancel a booking at 4 a.m., lock your account and keep your money? That's what Nancy Kankindi wants to know after the vacation rental platform showed her the door without explanation.

Airbnb canceled my booking, locked my account — and kept my money!

February 19, 2025February 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Can Airbnb cancel a booking at 4 a.m., lock your account and keep your money? That’s what Nancy Kankindi wants to know after the vacation rental platform showed her the door without explanation.

Has the travel industry turned its back on its smoke-free promises?

Has the travel industry turned its back on its smoke-free promises?

December 4, 2025February 9, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

If you think your next trip will be smoke-free, think again. The travel industry has abandoned its smoke-free promises — mostly.