Skip to content
Elliott Report

Elliott Report

  • Home
  • Features
    • Advocacy
    • Destinations
    • Problem Solved
    • On Travel
    • Safe Travels
    • The Travel Troubleshooter
    • Red List/Green List
    • Ultimate Consumer Guides
  • Company Contacts
  • Sites
    • Elliott Advocacy
    • Christopher Elliott’s books
    • Elliott Confidential
    • EA Facebook Group
    • Backchannel
  • Newsletters
    • Elliott Confidential (Daily)
    • Media Leads (Weekly)
  • About
  • Contact Us
Get Help
Elliott Report

Elliott Report

  • Home
  • Features
    • Advocacy
    • Destinations
    • Problem Solved
    • On Travel
    • Safe Travels
    • The Travel Troubleshooter
    • Red List/Green List
    • Ultimate Consumer Guides
  • Company Contacts
  • Sites
    • Elliott Advocacy
    • Christopher Elliott’s books
    • Elliott Confidential
    • EA Facebook Group
    • Backchannel
  • Newsletters
    • Elliott Confidential (Daily)
    • Media Leads (Weekly)
  • About
  • Contact Us

On Travel

On Travel is a weekly consumer travel column that offers information and advice for people planning a business or leisure trip. The feature started in USA Today in 2013 and is now nationally syndicated.

A fragile medical device. An overstuffed rollaboard. A large cooler filled with snacks. You'd be shocked by what passengers are trying to fit under their economy class seats these days.

Why the space shortage is squeezing airline passengers

June 8, 2025July 20, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

A fragile medical device. An overstuffed rollaboard. A large cooler filled with snacks.You’d be shocked by what passengers are trying to fit under their economy class seats these days. 

Categories On Travel
Airlines are surprising customers with unexpected kindness, such as shedding fees and offering free perks. This shift, influenced by government regulations and a surge in passenger complaints, aims to improve customer satisfaction and retain loyalty. While low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier lead this change, even legacy airlines are stepping up. However, experts warn that this newfound niceness might be short-lived and could eventually result in higher fares. Real, lasting change will only occur when passengers value service quality over cost, pushing airlines to consistently prioritize customer care.

Why are airlines being so nice to you?

July 15, 2024July 13, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Airlines are shedding fees, giving away free stuff, and being extra nice to their customers. Has the world gone mad?

Categories On Travel
Shirley Barchi doesn't want anyone to know she's American when she travels abroad.

These tourists don’t want anyone to know they’re American. Here’s why.

December 27, 2025July 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Shirley Barchi doesn’t want anyone to know she’s American when she travels abroad.

Categories On Travel
If you're upset about being asked for a gratuity at every turn -- at convenience stores, supermarkets and even on websites -- then you might have a case of tip rage.

Angry about having to leave a gratuity? You might have tip rage

June 28, 2025June 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re upset about being asked for a gratuity at every turn — at convenience stores, supermarkets and even on websites — then you might have a case of tip rage.

Categories On Travel
Travel insurance can be crucial for summer vacations, but it’s not always necessary. Kingsley Hopkins, traveling to Portugal and Iceland, seeks coverage for medical emergencies and trip disruptions. With high travel demand and potential risks like natural disasters and health issues, older travelers especially should consider insurance. However, you might skip it if you already have coverage or if your trip is low-risk. Evaluate your prepaid expenses and international travel plans to decide. Hopkins opts for refundable bookings and a Medjet Horizon plan for peace of mind, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation? It’s complicated

May 21, 2025June 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re planning to travel somewhere this summer, you’re probably thinking of buying travel insurance.

Categories On Travel
If it feels like you have a target on your back when you're traveling, you might be right. American tourists are being profiled like never before, often in harmless ways, but sometimes with serious consequences. For example, in Colombia, being identified as an American tourist could lead to drugging, robbery, or worse. The State Department warns of escalating dangers, emphasizing caution. While most profiling is just annoying, some can be hazardous to your health. Learn how to avoid being targeted and stay safe abroad.

Warning: American tourists are being profiled. Don’t be one of them!

July 10, 2024June 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If it feels like you have a target on your back when you’re traveling, you might be right. Tourists are being profiled like never before.

Categories On Travel
Traveling this summer means packed flights, jammed roads, and full hotels. Flexibility is key: fly to nearby cities, explore less popular destinations, and consider stopover programs. Use tools like Airbnb's flexible dates search and Google Flights' flexible schedule options to save money and enhance your travel experience. Bend, but don’t break.

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

June 15, 2024June 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you’re traveling this summer.

Categories On Travel
Want to start an argument? Just ask a random family member where to take your next vacation. Specifically, should you play it safe by returning to the same place -- or try something new? 

Should you repeat your vacation? Let’s settle this argument once and for all

November 16, 2025June 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Want to start an argument? Just ask a random family member where to take your next vacation. Specifically, should you play it safe by returning to the same place — or try something new? 

Categories On Travel
Junk fees -- hidden, mandatory extras added to your final bill -- have mushroomed in recent months and travelers are crying foul. The government is waging a public war against these annoying extras, but businesses still love hitting their customers with extras because fooling them into paying more is highly profitable.

Travelers are drowning in junk fees during the summer of surcharges

November 24, 2024May 25, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Junk fees — hidden, mandatory extras added to your final bill — have mushroomed in recent months and travelers are crying foul. The government is waging a public war against these annoying extras, but businesses still love hitting their customers with extras because fooling them into paying more is highly profitable.

Categories On Travel
Ronald Duben is ready to give his credit card. He thinks there's something better out there -- and there almost certainly is.

As rewards credit cards face regulation, what are the alternatives?

January 10, 2026May 18, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Ronald Duben is ready to give his credit card. He thinks there’s something better out there — and there almost certainly is.

Categories On Travel
Older posts
Newer posts
← Previous Page1 … Page11 Page12 Page13 … Page21 Next →

What’s Your Problem?

If you have a consumer problem, please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. We’re always here to help. Our help is free.

Get Help

Our Newsletter

Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Did we mention it's free?

Sign Up

What's This Site?

The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers.

Join Us

Follow Us

© 2026 Elliott Report | Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Features
    • Advocacy
    • Problem Solved
    • On Travel
    • The Travel Troubleshooter
    • Ultimate Consumer Guides
  • Company Contacts
  • Sites
    • Elliott Advocacy
    • Elliott Confidential
    • EA Facebook Group
  • Newsletters
    • Elliott Advocacy Today (Daily)
    • Elliott Confidential (Premium)
    • Elliott’s E-Mail (Weekly)
    • Media Leads (Weekly)
  • Advocacy
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Get Help

Don’t Miss a Story!

Elliott Confidential, our award-winning newsletter, keeps you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. 

Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing!