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.

If you're upset about being asked for a gratuity at every turn, from convenience stores to websites, you might have a case of tip rage. Gail Sahar, a psychology professor, explains that the increasing expectations for tipping feel unfair and lead to frustration. This anger, combined with aggressive solicitations for tips and guilt over service workers' wages, fuels tip rage. Consumers resent being pressured to tip before receiving service, while service workers rely on tips for their income, creating a cycle of mutual frustration and resentment. How can we address this growing issue?

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

June 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.

Steven Tabet cancels his timeshare, but Citibank won't help him. How do you fix a Citibank credit card dispute problem?

Citibank credit card dispute problem: Did they just short me $550?

November 24, 2024June 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Steven Tabet cancels his timeshare, but Citibank won’t help him. How do you fix a Citibank credit card dispute problem?

After a passenger gets bumped to economy class, Air New Zealand promises her a refund for her flight downgrade. Then it refuses.

Downgraded on my American Airlines flight to New Zealand — do I get a refund?

July 30, 2024June 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After a passenger gets bumped to economy class, American Airlines promises her a refund for her flight downgrade. Then it refuses.

Brandon Marsdin paid Sunwing Airlines $536 for an ATV tour in Los Cabos, Mexico. But when he tried to check in for his offroading adventure, a representative turned him away. Then Sunwing kept his money.

I never got a receipt for my tour. Can Sunwing keep my $536?

July 1, 2024June 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Brandon Marsdin paid Sunwing Airlines $536 for an ATV tour in Los Cabos, Mexico. But when he tried to check in for his offroading adventure, a representative turned him away. And then Sunwing kept his money.

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

November 24, 2024June 22, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

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

Ayotunde Fatusin just lost $2,000 after he accidentally transferred it to the wrong person through Zelle. Bank of America won't reverse the transaction. But should it?

I sent $2,000 to the wrong person on Zelle. Can I get my money back?

June 26, 2024June 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Ayotunde Fatusin just lost $2,000 after he accidentally transferred it to the wrong person through Zelle. Bank of America won’t reverse the transaction. But should it?

Jacqueline Bartolini has a lost luggage problem with ITA. She's spent $992 to buy clothes, but the airline will only reimburse her for just $733. Who's right?

ITA Airways lost luggage problem: Why won’t it cover my expenses?

December 2, 2024June 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Jacqueline Bartolini has a lost luggage problem with ITA Airlines. She’s spent $992 to buy clothes, but the airline will only reimburse her for just $733. Who’s right?

Are airlines allowed to downgrade you from business class to economy? And if they do, what do they owe you?

Downgraded from business class to economy on KLM. But they messed with the wrong passengers!

June 26, 2024June 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines allowed to downgrade you from business class to economy? And if they do, what do they owe you?

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.

Did Amazon lose Roberto Cusato's return package after he gave it to UPS? Amazon doesn't have it -- and is still holding the $756 he paid for the leg compressions.

Has Amazon lost my return package? And where’s my $756?

September 13, 2024June 14, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Did Amazon lose Roberto Cusato’s return package after he gave it to UPS? Amazon doesn’t have it — and is still holding the $756 he paid for the leg compressions.