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.

Lillian Kohler faced losing $36,000 after Vantage Travel's bankruptcy. Unlike others, she discovered a potential path to a refund. This story explores the complexities of cruise line bankruptcies and offers insights on protecting your travel investments, highlighting the crucial role of consumer advocacy in navigating these turbulent situations.

Will she get a $36,000 refund for her canceled Vantage Travel cruise?

January 16, 2024January 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Lillian Kohler never imagined she’d get stiffed for $36,000 by a supposedly reputable cruise company like Vantage Travel.

In a quest for better customer service, frustrated travelers like Robert Grunfeld are recording their calls with airlines. While this tactic can yield mixed results, experts suggest alternative strategies, highlighting the complexities of customer service interactions and the evolving legal and ethical considerations in the digital age.

Frustrated travelers start recording customer service phone calls. But does it work?

January 16, 2024January 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Oh, the lengths some people will go to get better customer service. Like recording phone calls with a customer service agent.

Britt Lane's ordeal with Ashley Furniture began when her new bed arrived missing crucial parts. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, including requests for a partial refund and a copy of the contract, she faced unhelpful customer service and was left sleeping on the floor for over a month.

My bed from Ashley Furniture is missing a few parts. What should I do?

January 13, 2024January 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

What’s wrong with Britt Lane’s bed? And why won’t Ashley Furniture fix it for her? She’s been sleeping on the floor since she ordered the furniture from the retailer.

Steve Feiertag's journey from Palm Beach to Reykjavik takes an unexpected turn when Chase Ultimate Rewards mistakenly downgrades and cancels his business class flights. Facing a loss of $5,000 and left without assistance, Feiertag turns to Christopher Elliott, a consumer advocate, in a desperate attempt to salvage his travel plans.

Help! Chase Ultimate Rewards downgraded my flight — and then canceled it

January 6, 2025January 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Feiertag’s flights from Palm Beach to Reykjavik are messed up, but Chase Ultimate Rewards won’t help him fix them. Is he about to lose $5,000?

Dustin Baltis encountered a roach infestation during his Airbnb stay in Austin, leading to a complex situation with the host and Airbnb. Despite initial challenges, the issue of whether Airbnb's AirCover would cover such incidents and the subsequent negotiation for a fair resolution became key elements of his experience.

What to do if you find roaches in your Airbnb rental

January 10, 2024January 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Dustin Baltis thought he knew what to do when he found a roach in his Airbnb rental in Austin. He called the owner and contacted Airbnb — and finally vacated the property.

Guys, 2024's travel scene is a mixed bag. U.S. airfares are dropping, but car rentals and hotel rates are up. Watch out for new fees and the delayed European ETIAS. Key tip: leverage AI for the best deals. Big year with some changes, but let's make the most of it

The year ahead: Here’s what travelers should expect in 2024

April 13, 2024January 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re planning to travel somewhere in 2024, you probably have lots of questions. Like, how much will it cost? Is it safe? Are there places I should avoid? Should I just stay home?

Here is a 70-word excerpt: Becky Taylor was excited for the P!nk concert she spent over $600 on tickets for. But when she arrived, her view was completely obstructed by foul-ball nets and camera equipment. She reached out to Ticketmaster asking for a refund, but they refused. I assisted Becky in her case against Ticketmaster by contacting them on her behalf. After reviewing her documentation showing the obstructed view, they finally agreed to fully refund her tickets. Persistence pays off!

I couldn’t see P!nk because of a foul-ball net. Can I get a refund from Ticketmaster?

January 6, 2025January 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Becky Taylor’s view at a P!nk concert is obstructed by a foul-ball net. She wants her money back from Ticketmaster. Does she have a case?

Donald Davidson faces a $6,758 bill from Avis for squirrel damage to his rental car. He claims no responsibility, as the damage occurred naturally. Avis, however, insists on payment. This dilemma raises questions about liability and consumer rights. Should Davidson be held accountable for unforeseen, non-negligent damage?

Squirrels destroyed his rental car. Should Avis let him off the hook?

April 8, 2024January 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Squirrels destroyed Donald Davidson’s rental car – and now Avis wants him to pay $6,758 for the damage! Should we advocate for him?

David Hendrick faced a perplexing situation with Booking.com after discovering fraudulent bookings on his account. Despite immediate action and contacting customer service, his account was disabled. This led to a frustrating cycle of trying to reinstate his account and transfer his bookings, highlighting challenges in navigating customer service protocols.

Booking.com suspended my account. Can you help me get it back?

May 13, 2025January 3, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After discovering two fraudulent reservations, Booking.com suspends David Hendrick’s account. How can he get it reinstated?

When Don Kelly triumphs in a credit card chargeback, he unexpectedly faces an Uber ban. His odyssey through automated customer service and complex policies highlights the intricate battle between consumer rights and corporate rules in today's technology-driven world.

Uber banned him after he won a credit card chargeback. Is that allowed?

May 17, 2025January 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Can Uber ban you if you file a credit card dispute against it and win? It happened to Don Kelley. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.