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.

Check-in bullies, breakfast buffet abusers, and loud late-night guests—bad hotel behavior is more common than ever. But etiquette experts say many of these awkward situations can be avoided with a little self-awareness and respect for shared spaces. Here’s what to watch out for and how to deal with disruptive fellow travelers.

Don’t commit these social blunders on your next hotel stay

October 19, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

What’s the worst thing you’ve seen someone do at a hotel? For Lynne Goldberg, it’s the check-in bully.

from leaving the tv on to packing door alarms, travelers are getting innovative about hotel room security. learn how to enhance your safety on the road.

New ways to make your hotel room safe

October 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Walter Meyer is so concerned about hotel safety that he always brings “Dave” along.

In kuala lumpur, hotel indigo is a standout for its green initiatives, from repurposed decor to local food. can sustainability thrive in a city of glitz?

In a city known for glitz, this Kuala Lumpur hotel is betting big on green

October 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Kuala Lumpur is known for gleaming skyscrapers and luxury resorts, but not necessarily for sustainable hotels. The Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur On The Park is determined to change that.

Michael Ramer’s family missed their Holland America cruise after a mechanical flight delay. Despite booking the airfare through the cruise line’s Flight Ease program, they were denied a refund. With no travel insurance and vague promises of help, the family lost nearly $4,000. Here’s how they recovered part of it—and what to do differently.

Stranded by a flight delay. Why won’t Holland America Refund my $3,952?

October 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

A family’s dream Alaska cruise collapses when a flight delay leaves them stranded. Holland America refuses to issue a refund despite having booked their flights. Can they get their $3,952 refunded?

After turbulence forced a change of plans, American Airlines told the Pruchas their return tickets were still valid. But the airline later canceled their flight, forcing them to pay $969. With only boarding passes as proof, they fought a flawed system—and won their money back with help from a travel advocate.

American Airlines canceled my return flight because I missed a leg. But it said I could fly!

October 6, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Airlines are switching planes more often, leading to unexpected seat changes. What compensation are you entitled to when your seat is swapped?

Airlines are switching planes more frequently. What are your rights?

October 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Do you have any rights when an airline changes your seat assignment? That’s what Jay Libove wanted to know after he lost his assigned seat on a recent flight from Philadelphia to Barcelona.

Travel insurance is evolving! Learn about surprising post-departure benefits that can save your trip (and your wallet) when things go wrong abroad.

Travel insurance companies are adding new post-departure benefits. Here’s what you can expect.

October 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Alexandra Lauren developed an ear infection while scuba diving in Hoi An, Vietnam, the diagnosis was unexpectedly serious: Her hospital recommended a two-week stay connected to an IV drip.

Customer pays for premium resume help but gets a bad resume and a refused refund. Can he escape the loan and get his $575 back?

Help! I paid $575 for a useless resume — what now?

October 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Justin Czerniawski pays $575 for premium resume help from TopResume, but he’s unhappy with the results. When TopResume refuses a refund, he turns to a consumer advocate for help.

FlightHub's booking mistake led to unusable tickets and a family stranded in Argentina, forced to pay twice. The fight for a refund.

Stranded in Buenos Aires: How a FlightHub booking error forced a family to pay twice for their tickets

October 1, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Emily Day’s family vacation nearly collapses when FlightHub’s system assigns random passport numbers to their tickets, forcing them to buy new flights. Why won’t the airline refund the tickets they couldn’t use?

Guest uses a provided hair dryer, an outlet burns out, and Vrbo tries to charge $1000 from the deposit. Who's responsible?

An outlet burned out in my Vrbo — why are they charging me an extra $1,000?

September 29, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Picture this: Something goes terribly wrong with your vacation rental, and instead of fixing the problem, the owner slaps you with a $1,000 bill. And when you complain to the rental platform, it tells you that you’re out of luck and then charges your credit card