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.

So you think that after criticizing the tarmac troopers recently, I'll lay off my monthly series on the tarmac delay hall of shame?

Tarmac delay hall of shame: Delta, American — please take a bow!

January 19, 2024November 9, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

So you think that after criticizing the tarmac troopers recently, I’ll lay off my monthly series on the tarmac delay hall of shame.

The debate about health-care reform seems to be ignoring a significant group of Americans: international travelers.

The health-care gap that traps travelers

January 19, 2024November 8, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Ahem. Are we forgetting something? The debate about health-care reform seems to be ignoring a significant group of Americans: international travelers.

When I think of great customer service, I remember Alamo Rent A Car. The company had almost no reason to be nice to me.

7 ways to find excellent customer service on the road

January 19, 2024November 8, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

When I think of great customer service, I remember Alamo.

Their first outbound flight was a codeshare flight operated by United. Flight was delayed and they had to purchase new tickets.

One airline ticket for the price of two?

January 25, 2024November 7, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Llouellynde Orahood’s flight from Los Angeles to Dallas has all the makings of a trip from hell, including weather delays, cancellations and almost-missed flights. What could be worse? Having to pay again for the same tickets. Now, neither the airlines nor her online travel agency is willing to help her recover the money she should have never had to spend. Is there any hope for a refund?

We suspect this kind of thing is happening at every major airport in the country. It's the only explanation for the thousand stolen bags.

Sky Harbor’s luggage scandal: Who’s to blame for a thousand stolen bags?

January 19, 2024November 4, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Outraged? No, those of us who fly suspect this kind of thing is happening at every major airport in the country. It’s the only explanation.

On second thought, maybe you should leave home without it. For years, I've been telling travelers to pay with plastic.

Banks, airlines deserve no credit for card tricks

January 19, 2024November 2, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

On second thought, maybe you should leave home without it.

The approach of cold-weather season reminds me of tarmac delays. Like the Northwest Airlines flights grounded during a 1999 blizzard at Detroit's Metro Airport, leaving passengers without water or working toilets for more than seven hours.

Tarmac delays ground the fight for passenger rights

February 26, 2024October 26, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

The approach of cold-weather season reminds me of tarmac delays.

You may have noticed that the TSA, the agency charged with safeguarding America's transportation systems, has a thing for video.

Smile! The TSA is video taping you — and here’s what you need to know about it

January 19, 2024October 21, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

You may have noticed that the Transportation Security Administration, the agency charged with safeguarding America’s transportation systems, has a thing for video.

Turns out Nicole White's account of her son being taken by a Transportation Security Administration officer did not line up with reality.

A little advice for Nicole White, the TSA and anyone traveling with kids

January 19, 2024October 17, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Turns out Nicole White’s account of her son being taken by a Transportation Security Administration officer did not line up with reality. Now the truth squad is coming after White, her site has been taken down and the young mother appears to have gone into hiding.

While they were passing through the security checkpoint in Atlanta yesterday, she claims a TSA agent walked away with her toddler.

What to do if the TSA takes your child

January 19, 2024October 16, 2009 by Christopher Elliott

Nicole White describes herself as a 28-year-old freelancing writer, “tattooed liberal” and mom to a 16-month-old son, Jackson. She lives in Annapolis, Md., with her husband, Paul, a Navy pilot.

Christopher Elliott

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