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.

As summer travel heats up, travelers like Sharmistha Das are facing increased cleaning fees from companies like Lyft. With reports of careless behavior and profit-driven charges, discover the reasons behind this trend and learn how to avoid unexpected fees during your travels this season.

Why are travelers making such a mess this summer?

May 25, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Sharmistha Das says she didn’t trash her Lyft. But her driver claims she dragged her bicycle helmet along the side of his door, leaving several long scuff marks.

Dan Steele's Blue Duck Station in New Zealand is pioneering a transformative approach to conservation by integrating sustainable farming and ecotourism. With initiatives like predator control and tree planting, Steele envisions New Zealand as the world's largest conservation project, promoting biodiversity and environmental stewardship for future generations.

Could New Zealand become the biggest conservation project on Earth?

May 24, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

On a hilltop overlooking New Zealand’s lush Whanganui River, Dan Steele is thinking about the future. Not just his future or the future of his sprawling ranch, Blue Duck Station. He’s thinking about all of New Zealand.

Benjamin Marmer, a college student, faced a frustrating situation when his new Dell laptop was marked as delivered by FedEx, but he never received it. Caught in a loop between Dell and FedEx, he sought help. Discover how he ultimately secured a replacement for his lost laptop.

Is this Dell lost laptop a lost cause?

May 23, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Benjamin Marmer orders a new computer from Dell. But it never arrives, even though Dell ships it via FedEx. Is his computer a lost cause?

Sherry Fadely was denied boarding on her Aer Lingus flight in Madrid, despite having a ticket booked through Alaska Airlines. She spent $3,244 on a new ticket. After months of seeking a refund, Alaska Airlines agreed to refund her miles and pay $3,244 in compensation following advocacy, highlighting the complexities of code-sharing and the importance of knowing passenger rights under EU regulations like EC 261.

Denied boarding on my flight home. Why won’t Alaska Airlines give me a refund?

May 21, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Sherry Fadely is turned away at the gate when she tries to board her flight in Madrid. Can she get compensation for being denied boarding? And who should pay her?

We canceled our Canadian vacation. Why is our travel insurance claim delayed?

May 19, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Last year, Liesel Dreisbach-Williams and her husband, Roger, planned an epic adventure from Vancouver to Toronto by train. But when Roger’s health took a turn for the worse, the adventure turned into an epic misadventure — an endless series of emails with MSH, their travel insurance company.

Car shaming is on the rise, with individuals criticized for driving gas-powered vehicles. Driven by social pressure and shifting sustainability views, it's essential to handle car shamers with grace, deflecting criticism and avoiding confrontations. Respecting individual choices and promoting constructive dialogue can create a more inclusive transportation culture. As the summer road trip season begins, being aware of car shaming and its implications can help navigate the complex world of sustainable transportation.

What’s car shaming, and how do you avoid it on your next road trip?

May 19, 2025May 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

There’s nothing like a road trip this summer — if you can get past the shame of it.

This summer, safeguard your checked luggage with essential tips from travel expert Christopher Elliott. Discover strategies to prevent theft, such as using TSA-approved locks, tracking devices, and smart packing techniques. Learn how to report pilfered luggage promptly and consider alternative luggage services to ensure your belongings arrive safely.

Pro tips for keeping your checked luggage safe when you fly this summer

May 18, 2025May 17, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Eamonn Turley lost his laptop charger and designer sunglasses on a recent flight from Dublin to New York.

Scott Rosenblatt canceled an Uber Eats order within 30 seconds but was slapped with a cancellation fee—even though the restaurant hadn’t started preparing his food. After Uber refused a refund, he disputed the charge with his credit card company… and won. Uber retaliated by blocking his account indefinitely. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott stepped in, exposing Uber’s harsh policy of banning users who win chargebacks. Following advocacy, Uber quietly reinstated Scott’s account but ignored questions about its flawed system. A stark warning: Disputing charges with gig platforms can backfire, leaving customers locked out of essential services.

Banned by Uber after I won my credit card dispute — can you help?

May 17, 2025May 16, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Scott Rosenblatt canceled his Uber Eats order but still had to pay for it. Now Uber is blocking his account. Can he get them to drop the charges and unfreeze his account?

When Nicholas Chandler rented an Avis car for one day, a rear-end crash led to a jaw-dropping $7,671 charge for 29 days of “loss of use” — despite the other driver being at fault. His insurance refused payment, citing vague billing. Avis’ claims partner, Sedgwick, admitted a possible error but offered no resolution. Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott uncovered internal confusion: Avis had charged Chandler the maximum daily rate as if he’d kept the car. After intervention, Avis refunded $7,000, admitting the mistake. A cautionary tale of rental car pitfalls and the fight against controversial “loss of use” fees.

Help! Avis charged me $7,671 for a one-day car rental

May 15, 2025May 14, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Nicholas Chandler was rear-ended while driving an Avis rental car. Even though the other driver was at fault, Avis charged him for the entire time the car was out of commission. Can he get a refund?

Dawn Nelson's trip to Oaxaca turned into a refund nightmare when Booking.com canceled her hotel reservations. After weeks of repeated requests for documentation, she felt stuck in a loop. Learn how she navigated the process and ultimately secured a $2,948 refund for her accommodations.

This is ridiculous! Booking.com owes me $2,948 and I’m stuck in some kind of loop

May 13, 2025May 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Dawn Nelson’s trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Day of the Dead celebrations should have been a memorable experience.