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.

The engine in Ali Cotton's Nissan Altima is damaged after he brings it to Jiffy Lube for an inspection. Does the company have to pay his $12,998 repair bill?

Jiffy Lube ruined my car engine. Why won’t it pay $12,998 for repairs?

September 10, 2024April 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The engine in Ali Cotton’s Nissan Altima is damaged after he brings it to Jiffy Lube for an inspection. Does the company have to pay his $12,998 repair bill?

When Diane Gottlieb's tour of Iraq is canceled, the tour operator offers her a voucher for a future trip. She wants a refund. Can she get her $7,590 back?

My trip to Iraq was canceled. Why can’t I get a $7,590 refund for my canceled tour?

June 20, 2024April 10, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Diane Gottlieb’s tour of Iraq is canceled, the tour operator offers her a voucher for a future trip. She wants a refund for her canceled tour. Can she get her $7,590 back?

Avis billed one of its customers $573 for damaging a windshield. But there was no damage to the windshield. What should he do?

Windshield damage on my Avis rental! Do I have to pay $573?

April 9, 2024April 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Avis billed one of its customers $573 for damaging a windshield. But there was no damage to the windshield. What should he do?

has the potential to change the way we travel like we haven't seen since the introduction of the jet engine.

Will flying cars change the way you travel?

September 4, 2024April 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Flying cars have the potential to change the way you travel. Don’t laugh. It’s already happening.

After the price of Francis Clark's Bosch dishwasher falls, Best Buy agrees to refund him $150. But now it won't pay. What's going on?

Best Buy promised me a $150 refund for my Bosch dishwasher. Now it won’t pay!

June 16, 2025April 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After the price of Francis Clark’s Bosch dishwasher falls, Best Buy agrees to refund him $150. But now it won’t pay. What’s going on?

When David Tuttle's Airbnb host moves him to a different rental, Airbnb offers to cover his hotel expenses. Where's the money?

Airbnb promised to pay for his hotel. So why didn’t it?

June 18, 2024April 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When David Tuttle’s Airbnb host moves him to a different rental, Airbnb offers to cover his hotel expenses. Where’s the money?

Will a big tour operator like Globus bend its rules to help an elderly customer? That's what Joan Powell wants to know since she's about to lose a $500 deposit.

Can Globus keep our $500 deposit? I can’t afford to travel anymore

April 5, 2024April 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Will a big tour operator like Globus bend its rules to help an elderly customer? That’s what Joan Powell wants to know since she’s about to lose a $500 deposit.

Air travel has changed a lot. But it's nothing compared to what lies ahead. Changed how? Well, you've probably heard about the higher airfares, the luggage fees and our persistent problem with in-flight violence.

Air travel sure has changed — but you ain’t seen nothing yet!

July 21, 2025March 31, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Air travel has changed a lot. But it’s nothing compared to what lies ahead. Changed how? Well, you’ve probably heard about the higher airfares, the luggage fees and our persistent problem with in-flight violence.

When Akin Williams' Western Digital hard drives don't work, he tries to return them to Amazon. But the seller wants to charge him a $546 restocking fee. Is that legit?

I returned my defective hard drives to Amazon. What’s this $546 restocking fee?

September 28, 2024March 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Akin Williams’ Western Digital hard drives don’t work, he tries to return them to Amazon. But the seller wants to charge him a $546 restocking fee. Is that legit?

When United Airlines cancels the last leg of Andy Wilson's flight to Iceland, he must buy a new ticket. The airline blames a "desynchronization" -- but will it cover his extra costs?

United Airlines canceled my flight after a desynchronization problem. Why can’t I get a refund?

September 25, 2024March 27, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When United Airlines cancels the last leg of Andy Wilson’s flight to Iceland, he must buy a new ticket. The airline blames a “desynchronization” — but will it cover his extra costs?