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.

Jane Tabachnick seeks refund for non-working refurbished computer from TigerDirect and partner Blair Technology. Find out what happened?

My refurbished computer from TigerDirect doesn’t work. Can I get my money back?

January 19, 2024September 6, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jane Tabachnick orders a refurbished computer from TigerDirect. It doesn’t work, and she asks for a refund. Why can’t she get her money back?

Mary Anne Morgan wants a Booking.com refund after the online agency charges her twice. Why won't the company help her?

Billed twice for my hotel room. Where’s my Booking.com refund?

June 20, 2024September 4, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

When Mary Anne Morgan stays at a boutique hotel, her online travel agency charges her twice. Can she get one of the payments back, or does Booking.com get to keep it?

Leaving your pet at home while you take a vacation makes sense not only for your dog or cat but also for you.

That’s it! We need to stop pets from flying*

May 9, 2024September 3, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Leaving your pet at home while you take a vacation makes sense not only for your dog or cat but also for you.

Angela's $200 Amazon gift card vanished. Refunds went awry, promises broken. Will Angela ever see her money?

I want my stolen $200 gift card back from Amazon. Can you help me?

June 19, 2024August 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Angela Hoo orders a $200 gift card from Amazon, but it’s stolen from her doorstep. Amazon offers a refund, but then it refunds the wrong card. How can she fix this?

Here's a dirty little secret about the $4.1 million American Airlines fine for violating the tarmac delay rule. You won't see a dime of it.

Who gets the money from American Airlines’ record $4.1 million fine? Not you

January 19, 2024August 29, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Here’s a dirty little secret about the U.S. Department of Transportation’s record $4.1 million fine against American Airlines for violating the tarmac delay rule, announced with great fanfare yesterday: Passengers probably won’t see a dime of it.

John Schwager canceled his cruise for health reasons and filed a claim with Travel Insured International. What happened next will surprise you.

Travel Insured International owes me $12,780. Where’s the money?

September 10, 2024August 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

John Schwager has been waiting months for his travel insurance payment from Travel Insured International. What’s the holdup?

Beware of new tourism scams, including swindles involving deception, distraction and petty theft. Here's how to spot them -- and avoid them.

Here are the newest tourist scams (they’re worse than ever)

January 19, 2024August 27, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Beware of new tourism scams, including swindles involving deception, distraction and petty theft. Here’s how to spot them — and avoid them.

If you're going somewhere, chances are you need a reliable carry-on or rollaboard. But how do you buy the best luggage for your next trip?

Here’s how to buy the best luggage for your next trip

October 25, 2024August 24, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re going somewhere, chances are you need a reliable carry-on or rollaboard. But how do you buy the best luggage for your next trip?

Insurance ordeal with Overseas Adventure Travel: Delayed refunds, broken promises, and a surprising insurance policy twist revealed.

Where’s the $10,954 travel insurance check for my canceled Overseas Adventure Travel tour?

September 5, 2024August 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Howard Gleckman’s wife breaks her ankle just before the couple is scheduled to embark on an Overseas Adventure Travel tour. But now their insurance check has been delayed five months. What’s going on?

Even the best travelers can make the worst travel mistakes. I should know. I've made them all. Yes, me -- the world's smartest traveler.

Attention travelers: These are the worst travel mistakes you can make

November 24, 2024August 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Even the best travelers can make the worst travel mistakes. I should know. I’ve made them all. Yes, me — the world’s smartest traveler.