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.

Louise Panicali's husband receives a $1,000 Marriott gift card for doing a good deed. But the card doesn't work. Will Marriott do a good deed by fixing the problem?

Help, my $1,000 Marriott gift card is invalid!

January 19, 2024February 14, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Explore the issue of vacation rental hosts cancelling stays and keeping the paid money through Vrbo. Learn about the dispute resolution process and find out if you qualify for a refund in such a scenario. A must-read for all those planning their next holiday or weekend getaway.

Vrbo took my $1,270! Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money?

January 22, 2024February 13, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Can a vacation rental host cancel your reservation and keep your money? Shannon Jenkins wants to know after her host decided to pocket the money she paid Vrbo for a four-day weekend in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley.

The content discusses the issue of a long-delayed cruise refund for a Greek Islands cruise booked with Vantage Travel. Despite agreement for the refund, it has taken almost three years due to the pandemic causing widespread delays in the travel industry. The article explores the reasons behind the wait and whether it is possible to expedite the process.

He paid Vantage $18,536. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund?

January 19, 2024February 9, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

The pandemic created massive refund delays that are still affecting passengers today. So why are cruise refunds dragging on? And can you make them go faster?

Learn how to resolve any consumer dispute using the Elliott Method. Discover the three core principles and practical application of the Elliott Method to successfully resolve your consumer complaint.

How to win your consumer dispute using the Elliott Method

January 19, 2024February 9, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Learn how to resolve any consumer dispute using the Elliott Method. Discover the three core principles and practical application of the Elliott Method to successfully resolve your consumer complaint.

There's a musty smell in her Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

There’s a musty smell in her Vrbo rental. Can she get her money back?

January 19, 2024February 7, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Lyft charged me $80 for spilling a drink. But there was no drink!

Lyft charged me $80 for spilling a drink. But there was no drink!

January 19, 2024February 5, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Lyft charges Peter Leung $80 for spilling a drink in one of its cars. But he says he didn’t drink anything. Does he still have to pay?

AeroMexico canceled my flight. I want a refund, not a ticket credit

AeroMexico canceled my flight. I want a refund, not a ticket credit

March 18, 2024January 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

AeroMexico cancels Patrizia Azzellini’s flight and offers her a ticket credit. She’d prefer a refund. Who’s right?

Cristina Criado's flight diverted to Panama City after a tragic accident closed the airport in Lima. Does American Airlines owe her a refund for her trip in vain -- and if so, how much?

My flight never made it to Lima. Why won’t American Airlines get my refund approved?

March 25, 2024January 30, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Cristina Criado’s flight diverted to Panama City after a tragic accident closed the airport in Lima. Does American Airlines owe her a refund for her trip in vain — and if so, how much?

My new GE range shattered. Do I have to wait two months for a repair?

My new GE range shattered. Do I have to wait two months for a repair?

May 3, 2024January 29, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Travel insurance is complicated. Here's the guide you need to understand everything about it.

Help! BG&E won’t refund my monthly service fee

January 19, 2024January 24, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

BG&E agrees to waive Larry Bauman’s monthly service fee but then charges him anyway. Is there a way to get his money back?