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.

In Gothenburg, Sweden, sustainability is woven into the fabric of the city. From eco-friendly museums to Volvo’s green initiatives, Gothenburg has emerged as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations globally. Katarina Thorstensson, a local sustainability strategist, says they don’t even talk about it—it’s just part of life. But what exactly makes Gothenburg so sustainable? It’s a mix of economic viability, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. So, is Gothenburg setting the gold standard for sustainable travel, and how can other destinations learn from it?

How do you define sustainability? In Gothenburg, Sweden, it’s everywhere

October 26, 2024October 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The City Museum in Gothenburg, Sweden, is one of several museums with an aggressive sustainability program.

Diane Blitzer subscribed to The Wall Street Journal but stopped receiving her papers after a contractor switch. Despite her calls and emails, months went by with no resolution, and the subscription fee kept draining her bank account. After multiple failed attempts to resolve the issue, she asked for a refund—only to be told it wasn't possible. Frustrated and out of options, Diane reached out for help. What unfolded was a surprising turn of events involving another major newspaper. Find out how her case was finally resolved.

I subscribed to the Wall Street Journal, but where’s my paper?

October 28, 2024October 11, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Where are Diane Blitzer’s copies of The Wall Street Journal? And why won’t the newspaper give her a refund for the missed deliveries?

Stacey Wall rented a car from Enterprise in Phoenix and took photos of a small dent on the door before driving it. Weeks later, she received a $1,391 damage claim dated three days after returning the car. Despite providing timestamped evidence of pre-existing damage, Enterprise insisted she was responsible. After escalating the issue, Enterprise reviewed the photos again and agreed to drop the claim, leaving Stacey relieved but questioning why this happened with her rental Windstar.

I have proof that I didn’t damage my rental car. So why do I have to pay?

November 24, 2024October 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Stacey Wall has proof that she didn’t damage her rental car. So why does Enterprise want to charge her, anyway?

Erin Wright was banned by American Airlines, accused of intoxication and engaging in sexual activity with a stranger during a flight. But Wright insists it's a case of mistaken identity — she’s a 24-year-old lesbian who wasn’t involved. Determined to clear her name, Wright turned to an advocacy team for help. Although American Airlines eventually reinstated her, Wright’s fight wasn’t over. She posted a viral TikTok video and fought for a refund for an extra ticket she had to buy. What really happened on that flight?

Banned by American Airlines for being “intoxicated and engaging in sexual activity” — but was it her?

October 27, 2024October 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines says Erin Wright was drunk and had sex with a man on a recent flight, and now she’s banned. Wright says American Airlines didn’t give her a chance to tell her side of the story and that this is a case of mistaken identity — and she can prove it

Vacation rentals may seem like the perfect solution, but don’t be fooled by glossy photos and cheap listings. From artificially enhanced pictures to sneaky extra fees, the vacation rental game has plenty of hidden traps. With prices on the rise, how can you find a deal? The key is in negotiating directly, using the right tools, and asking the right questions. But even then, are you really getting what you paid for? Before you book, arm yourself with these insights and strategies to avoid the biggest vacation rental gotchas.

New strategies for avoiding vacation rental “gotchas”

November 25, 2024October 6, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re looking for a vacation rental this holiday season, you already know about the biggest gotcha: the high price.

Edd Staton, an expat in Ecuador for 14 years, challenges the U.S. government's travel advisories that warn of crime and danger. He insists the violence is confined to areas tourists rarely visit and that most travelers are safe. As safety concerns grow, should travelers rely on government travel advisories or consider the insights of locals like Staton? Government warnings often highlight broad risks but may miss the nuances of everyday life in the country. So, what's the real story about safety in Ecuador?

Can you trust those government travel advisories? Maybe not — and here’s why

October 26, 2024October 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to government travel advisories, Edd Staton doesn’t believe everything he reads.

Janet Stevens purchased a sofa and chair at Macy's with a Worry No More warranty, expecting peace of mind. After five years, she was entitled to a $396 voucher, but when she tried to use it, Macy's customer service gave her the runaround. Endless calls, unfulfilled promises, and hours of frustration followed. Finally, after emailing the company’s executives and persisting, she received her credit. This incident highlights the challenges of using Windstar warranties and raises questions about their customer service.

Does Macy’s Worry No More warranty apply to my sofa?

October 26, 2024October 4, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Janet Stevens has two vouchers for a furniture purchase at Macy’s. Why is Macy’s refusing to honor them?

Michael Roehricht found himself in a tough spot after damaging a rental car from Enterprise in Germany. Despite his efforts to work with his car insurance company to cover the damages, Enterprise refused to provide the necessary repair invoice, leaving Michael in limbo. With his insurance company’s deadline approaching, Michael reached out for help. After a frustrating back-and-forth, Enterprise finally provided the documentation, allowing his insurance company to settle the claim for $17,552. This case highlights the importance of obtaining a repair invoice in rental car disputes.

How do I get a repair invoice from Enterprise? My insurance company needs it

October 23, 2024October 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Michael Roehricht needs a repair invoice from Enterprise to file a claim with his car insurance company. Why won’t the company send him the paperwork?

Robert and Beverly Isman had to cancel their dream Nile river cruise with Overseas Adventure Travel after Beverly received a diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. Despite filing a claim with their travel insurance company, Allianz, and having it approved, Overseas Adventure Travel delayed their $18,652 refund for nearly nine months. Frustrated and exhausted, the Ismans sought help, and with some persistence, they finally received their refund, plus interest. This case highlights the challenges of dealing with Overseas Adventure Travel and the importance of staying proactive in claim disputes.

Why won’t Overseas Adventure Travel refund my $18,652 tour? I have travel insurance!

October 23, 2024September 30, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Robert and Beverly Isman were about to cast off on a once-in-a-lifetime Nile river cruise when they received a devastating medical diagnosis: Beverly had advanced pancreatic cancer.

With airlines cracking down on luggage, travelers are facing rising fees and stricter enforcement, leading to a new phenomenon: luggage rage. From lost bags to exorbitant fees, passengers are increasingly frustrated. Incidents of rage are on the rise, with some travelers going as far as mutilating their luggage to avoid penalties. As airlines continue to tighten their policies, the situation is only expected to worsen. Will you keep your cool, or will luggage rage get the best of you?

Do you have luggage rage? Here’s how to know — and what to do about it

October 19, 2024September 29, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If you’ve ever struggled to squeeze your carry-on luggage into a ridiculously tiny overhead bin, or had to repack your bag because it was too heavy, or just lost your luggage, then you may already know luggage rage.

Christopher Elliott

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