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.

Sommer Gentry had plans to fly from Baltimore to Charlotte next month. But after she heard about the scanners TSA she decided to cancel.

Some airlines refunding tickets for passengers who fear pat-downs

January 25, 2024November 22, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Sommer Gentry had plans to fly from Baltimore to Charlotte next month. But after she heard about the TSA’s invasive new scanning and pat-down procedures, she decided to cancel.

TSA this afternoon sent a defiant holiday travel message to air travelers: Prepare to be patted down. Read the full script.

TSA sends defiant “holiday travel message” to air travelers: Prepare to be patted down

January 25, 2024November 20, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

TSA this afternoon sent a defiant “holiday travel message” to air travelers: Prepare to be patted down.

The days of the TSA Transportation Security Administration's controversial "enhanced" pat-downs may be numbered.

Congress calls on TSA to review pat-downs as agency backs off crew screening

January 25, 2024November 19, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The days of the Transportation Security Administration’s controversial “enhanced” pat-downs may be numbered.

The case of Samantha McCormick, a 23-year-old Hotwire customer whose car rental rate unexpectedly doubled.

My car rental rate doubled — should I split the difference with Hotwire?

January 19, 2024November 16, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

When it comes to fixing travel problems, every happy ending isn’t necessarily a Hollywood ending. Consider the case of Samantha McCormick, a 23-year-old Hotwire customer whose car rental rate unexpectedly doubled.

TSA's use of full-body scanners turns into a national debate, it appears the agency is taking a harder line against passengers who resist.

TSA threatens to fine passenger who refuses full-body scan

January 19, 2024November 14, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

As the TSA’s use of full-body scanners turns into a national debate, it appears the agency is taking a harder line against passengers who resist.

Brian Perez-Daple rents a car in Mexico through Hotwire. But his car rental company insists he needs to buy extra insurance.

I thought car rental insurance was optional

January 19, 2024November 12, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Brian Perez-Daple rents a car in Mexico through Hotwire. But his car rental company insists he needs to buy extra insurance, which he doesn’t. Is there any way to get his money back?

The TSA Transportation Security Administration is fond of releasing surveillance video when it suits its purpose.

Here’s what happens when you say “no” to the TSA for a full-body scan

January 25, 2024November 11, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

The Transportation Security Administration is fond of releasing surveillance video when it suits its purpose, like to debunk this woman’s claim that she was separated from her child at a checkpoint.

A few days ago, a TSA officer instructed him to remove everything from his pockets before he walked through a magnetometer.

New TSA policy? Empty your pockets when you’re being screened

January 19, 2024November 10, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re confused by the TSA’s many new security protocols — from enhanced pat-downs to printer cartridge bans — then you probably don’t want to know about Eugene Solomon.

Ray Sandoval paid $650 for his wife and two young daughters to fly from Sacramento to New York on Southwest Airlines.

Is this enough compensation? Southwest confiscates tickets, offers “deal” to get family home

January 19, 2024November 10, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

Ray Sandoval paid $650 for his wife and two young daughters to fly from Sacramento to New York on Southwest Airlines.

Thank you, TSA, for saving us from those dangerous snow globes, gel inserts and printer cartridges

September 12, 2023November 9, 2010 by Christopher Elliott

True to form, the TSA has overreacted yet again to a minor security threat by banning printer cartridges. Printer cartridges!