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.

Carolyn Hoke's anticipation for a serene seven-night river cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis with American Queen Voyages turned into a prolonged ordeal of frustration and uncertainty. After the unexpected cancellation of her cruise in November 2022, Carolyn found herself ensnared in a seemingly endless wait for a refund of $10,126. Despite her persistent efforts, including calls to the company, escalations to the accounting department, and complaints to the Florida Division of Consumer Service, the refund remained elusive. As she navigated the maze of customer service apologies and bureaucratic dead ends, the ominous shadow of the company's potential bankruptcy loomed large, threatening to engulf her hopes of reclaiming her hard-earned money. This tale of perseverance against the tides of corporate negligence unfolds as Carolyn, with the help of consumer advocacy, confronts the daunting challenge of securing her refund from the brink of a collapsing cruise line.

Help! American Queen Voyages canceled my cruise but kept my $10,126

March 21, 2024March 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Carolyn Hoke has been waiting more than a year for her refund from American Queen Voyages for a canceled cruise. Why is it taking so long — and how can she speed up the process?

Elaine Simmons' cruise vacation turned into a nightmare when her NCL flight reservation vanished. Left scrambling at the airport, she paid an exorbitant $1,796 to secure alternative tickets. Despite pleading with NCL for reimbursement, they directed her to their travel insurance provider, AON, which rejected her claim. Even disputing the charge on her credit card proved futile. Exasperated and out of options, Elaine sought mediation. With resolve, she turned to an advocacy team, hoping they could compel NCL to take responsibility for their oversight and compensate her for the unexpected expense.

I paid an extra $1,796 to get to my cruise. Why won’t NCL reimburse me?

September 5, 2024February 28, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After Elaine Simmons’ flight reservation is lost, she pays an extra $1,796 to get to her NCL cruise. Why won’t the cruise line help her recover the money?

Marcia Krantz's dream vacations turned into nightmares with Celebrity Cruises, first to the Galapagos and then Europe. Faced with unbearable cabin temperatures, health issues, and an unsympathetic response to a family tragedy, Krantz seeks a refund or credit. Celebrity Cruises promises luxury and exceptional experiences, yet Krantz's adventures fell short. As we delve into the intricacies of what Celebrity guarantees versus the reality of Krantz's experiences, we confront the challenging question: does she deserve compensation for her grievances, and if so, what form should it take?

Can I get my money back for a bad cruise?

October 3, 2024February 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Marcia Krantz wants her money back for her Celebrity cruise. She sailed to the Galapagos last year but didn’t enjoy it. And then her replacement cruise to Europe also tanked.

Air travelers often exhibit "exit envy," a phenomenon where passengers rush to disembark the moment the plane lands, leading to chaos and frustration. Whether driven by the need to make a tight connection or simply a desire to leave the plane as soon as possible, this behavior disrupts the usual deplaning process. However, there are courteous ways to ensure you can exit early without inconveniencing others, including enlisting the help of flight attendants or securing a seat near the front. Learn the art of exiting a plane early without stepping on toes.

Why does everyone want to get off the plane first? It’s exit envy!

September 27, 2024February 24, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Why do air travelers want to get off the plane first? As soon as the aircraft pulls up to the gate, it’s a mad stampede to the front.

Diego Vega found himself unwittingly enrolled in Uber One through a Capital One offer, facing charges for a service he never wanted. Despite attempts to unenroll, both companies were unresponsive, leaving him trapped in a subscription nightmare. This story explores the ease of signing up for such memberships, the challenges in canceling them, and the relentless marketing that follows. It highlights the crucial steps to cancel unwanted subscriptions and the importance of vigilance with credit card offers. An investigation into Vega's situation reveals a surprising twist, offering a resolution and shedding light on consumer rights.

I never ordered Uber One. Please help me get my money back!

March 16, 2024February 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Diego Vega is signed up for Uber One. He has no idea how he’s been enrolled in the monthly $9.99 membership, but he does know one thing: He wants to un-enroll. But how?

Leah Page's car rental experience turned sour when Thrifty charged her an extra $250 for an upgrade she never requested. Despite her efforts to resolve the issue, Thrifty's responses were frustratingly inconsistent. As Leah navigated the maze of customer service, she wondered if she would ever see her money again. With the situation seeming hopeless, she reached out for expert help. Could an advocate cut through the red tape and secure a refund for Leah, or was her $250 lost forever?

Oh no! Thrifty charged me an extra $250 for a car rental upgrade. Can I get a refund?

May 27, 2024February 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When Leah Page picks up her rental car from Thrifty, it charges her a $250 upgrade fee. Can it do that without her permission? And how can she get a refund?

Jillian Kavanagh's experience with her 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe turned from excitement to frustration when its electric mode failed, revealing a deeper issue with Stellantis' acclaimed hybrid. Despite attempts to resolve through the dealership, the vehicle's problems persisted, leading to a recall notice and a depreciating asset. As Kavanagh seeks to escape her lease amidst a class action lawsuit hinting at widespread defects, her story underscores the complexities of leasing modern vehicles and the potential pitfalls of hybrid technology. Will her legal battle offer a path to resolution, or is it a road to further disappointment?

Help! My Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid doesn’t work in electric mode. Can I end my lease?

February 23, 2024February 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Jillian Kavanagh regrets the day she signed the lease on a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a hybrid four-wheel drive. The vehicle failed during the winter and now only works in gas mode. It also shakes when she accelerates above 70 mph. She wants Stellantis, the car’s manufacturer, to terminate her lease and take back the malfunctioning Jeep.

Christopher Elliott

Help! American Queen Voyages canceled my cruise but kept my $10,126

I paid an extra $1,796 to get to my cruise. Why won’t NCL reimburse me?

Why does everyone want to get off the plane first? It’s exit envy!

I never ordered Uber One. Please help me get my money back!

Oh no! Thrifty charged me an extra $250 for a car rental upgrade. Can I get a refund?

Help! My Jeep Wrangler 4xe hybrid doesn’t work in electric mode. Can I end my lease?

Airline passengers are cutting in line when they board. It’s time to stop!

UPS lost my package! But is Amazon’s resolution fair?

I canceled my cruise, but my $19,148 credit card claim is lost at sea

Christopher Elliott

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