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.

Laura's wine cooler ordeal with Sollevare continues. Stuck between two giants, will justice prevail? Find out now.

Hey Lowe’s, my Sollevare wine cooler doesn’t work! Can I get a refund?

January 19, 2024September 12, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Laura Lowry’s Sollevare wine cooler doesn’t work, and neither does the replacement. Who does she talk to about a refund?

When Michael Kivel had to cancel his car rental reservation with Avis due to an illness, he expected a prompt refund. However, the process turned out to be more complicated than anticipated. Despite initially cancelling his reservation online and subsequently receiving an email confirmation of a $1,016 refund, the money remained elusive.

Avis promised me a refund of $1,016 — so where is it?

June 21, 2024September 11, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What happened to Michael Kivel’s refund from Avis? The company promised him his money after he had to cancel his car rental reservation. Is the money lost?

Standing in line at the airport? There are rules for each line -- and one piece of advice that may prevent you from missing your flight.

If you’re standing in line at the airport, don’t do this!

August 17, 2025September 9, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Standing in line at the airport? There are rules for each line — and one piece of advice that may prevent you from missing your flight.

Here's the ultimate guide to travel food, which includes advice on where to eat and how to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Eat this! The ultimate guide to travel food

January 19, 2024September 7, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s the ultimate guide to travel food, which includes advice on where to eat and how to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Jane Tabachnick seeks refund for non-working refurbished computer from TigerDirect and partner Blair Technology. Find out what happened?

My refurbished computer from TigerDirect doesn’t work. Can I get my money back?

January 19, 2024September 6, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jane Tabachnick orders a refurbished computer from TigerDirect. It doesn’t work, and she asks for a refund. Why can’t she get her money back?

Mary Anne Morgan wants a Booking.com refund after the online agency charges her twice. Why won't the company help her?

Billed twice for my hotel room. Where’s my Booking.com refund?

April 26, 2025September 4, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

When Mary Anne Morgan stays at a boutique hotel, her online travel agency charges her twice. Can she get one of the payments back, or does Booking.com get to keep it?

Leaving your pet at home while you take a vacation makes sense not only for your dog or cat but also for you.

That’s it! We need to stop pets from flying*

May 9, 2024September 3, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Leaving your pet at home while you take a vacation makes sense not only for your dog or cat but also for you.

Angela's $200 Amazon gift card vanished. Refunds went awry, promises broken. Will Angela ever see her money?

I want my stolen $200 gift card back from Amazon. Can you help me?

June 19, 2024August 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Angela Hoo orders a $200 gift card from Amazon, but it’s stolen from her doorstep. Amazon offers a refund, but then it refunds the wrong card. How can she fix this?

Here's a dirty little secret about the $4.1 million American Airlines fine for violating the tarmac delay rule. You won't see a dime of it.

Who gets the money from American Airlines’ record $4.1 million fine? Not you

January 19, 2024August 29, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a dirty little secret about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s record $4.1 million fine against American Airlines for violating the tarmac delay rule, announced with great fanfare yesterday: Passengers probably won’t see a dime of it.

John Schwager canceled his cruise for health reasons and filed a claim with Travel Insured International. What happened next will surprise you.

Travel Insured International owes me $12,780. Where’s the money?

September 10, 2024August 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

John Schwager has been waiting months for his travel insurance payment from Travel Insured International. What’s the holdup?