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 airlines tighten carry-on luggage rules, travelers face new challenges. Eddie Cannon's experience with Delta highlights the growing scrutiny. Discover essential tips for packing smarter, complying with regulations, and avoiding extra fees. Learn how to navigate the changing landscape of airline carry-on policies for a smoother travel experience.

Airlines are getting stricter about carry-on luggage. Here’s what to do about it.

May 12, 2025May 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines tightening their carry-on luggage rules? Passengers like Eddie Cannon believe the answer is “yes.”

Auckland, New Zealand, is leading the way in regenerative tourism, focusing on environmental restoration and community engagement. From planting native trees at Velskov Forest Farm to conservation efforts on Tiritiri Matangi Island, discover how local initiatives are transforming tourism into a force for good in the environment.

How Auckland’s green transformation is shifting from sustainability to regeneration

May 11, 2025May 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Forget sustainable tourism. In forward-looking destinations like New Zealand, it’s all about regenerative tourism.

Shira Newman encountered a frustrating situation when she was charged three times for a single ticket to a Ms. Pat show. Despite the event organizer agreeing to refund the duplicates, Eventbrite's fees remained a hurdle. After escalating her complaint, she ultimately received a full refund, including the fees.

Ms. Pat fan faces an Eventbrite fee fiasco. Can she get a refund?

May 10, 2025May 9, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Shira Newman buys one ticket to a Ms. Pat show but ends up with three. Why can’t she get a full refund for the two unwanted tickets? And why isn’t Eventbrite helping her?

After Steve Eliason booked a hotel near Glacier National Park, he faced a $169 charge when the hotel closed unexpectedly due to the owner's labor. Frustrated with Hotels.com, he sought help. Learn how he navigated the situation and ultimately secured a refund for his canceled reservation.

How to get a refund after a hotel closure: My $169 battle with Hotels.com

May 8, 2025May 7, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Steve Eliason cancels a hotel booked through Hotels.com after the owner goes into labor and closes the property. But Hotels.com still charges him for the room. What happens when a third-party booking site fails to honor a cancellation?

Corwin Simmonds encountered a frustrating $457 overcharge from Budget after renting a car in France. Despite multiple unauthorized charges and poor customer service, he persisted in seeking a resolution. Learn how he navigated the process and ultimately secured a refund for the erroneous charges.

Budget overcharge: I paid an extra $457 for my car rental in France!

May 6, 2025May 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Corwin Simmonds rented a car from Budget in Marseille, France, he never expected a simple transaction to become a frustrating ordeal with multiple overcharges and a bewildering lack of customer service.

Paying extra for an airline seat assignment can feel like a money grab, yet it may be necessary for comfort. While many travelers opt to skip the fees, understanding when to pay for a preferred seat can enhance your travel experience and save you from unnecessary stress during flights.

Should you pay extra for an airline seat assignment?

May 5, 2025May 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Is it worth paying extra for a seat assignment on a flight?

Travel insurance is essential for summer vacations, safeguarding against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It typically covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays, and emergency assistance, ensuring peace of mind while traveling. Without it, travelers risk significant financial losses and stress during their trips. Travel insurance is crucial for summer vacations, protecting against unforeseen events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. It generally covers trip cancellation, medical expenses, travel delays, and emergency assistance, providing peace of mind. Without it, travelers face potential financial losses and added stress during their journeys.

Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation?

May 4, 2025May 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

With vacation season just around the corner, many travelers are asking themselves: Do I need travel insurance for my summer vacation?

When Jaime Oviedo damages her T-Mobile phone, the company promises her insurance will cover the repair. But now her insurance company, Assurant, refuses to help. Is there a way to get this straightened out?

Why won’t Assurant pay my cell phone damage claim?

May 3, 2025May 2, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Jaime Oviedo damages her T-Mobile phone, the company promises her insurance will cover the repair. But now her insurance company, Assurant, refuses to help. Is there a way to get this straightened out?

American Airlines changes Erica Remer's flight without telling her. Now she's trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won't the airline help her?

American Airlines refund policy: How to get your money back after a flight schedule change

May 1, 2025April 30, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

American Airlines changes Erica Remer’s flight without telling her. Now she’s trying to get a refund for the original ticket. Why won’t the airline help her?

When Denise Elwell booked a Celebrity cruise, the last person she expected to have a dispute with was her travel advisor.

Celebrity Cruises overcharged me $641: Can my travel advisor legally keep the refund?

April 30, 2025April 28, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Denise Elwell booked a Celebrity cruise, the last person she expected to have a dispute with was her travel advisor.