Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott, who writes travel columns for newspapers including USA Today and The Washington Post. He also is founder of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization, and the travel website the Elliott Report.
ElliottAdvocacy.org

Don’t Get Hit By these Hidden Travel Fees
Travel

Don’t Get Hit By these Hidden Travel Fees

Christopher Elliott | March 20, 2023

Americans are traveling again…and travel companies are trying to take them for a ride. Sneaky travel fees and gotchas abound…

Is It Wise to Pay for Travel with Crypto?
Travel

Is It Wise to Pay for Travel with Crypto?

Christopher Elliott | July 9, 2022

The travel sector is leading the way for ­cryptocurrency—a study by Traders of Crypto found that 11.5% of crypto-accepting companies…

Car-Rental Insurance Traps
Money Savers

Car-Rental Insurance Traps

Christopher Elliott | May 21, 2022

Car-rental companies just love to sell you insurance—even though most customers are already protected by their personal policies and/or credit…

Beware of the Rental-Car Toll Trap
Automotive

Beware of the Rental-Car Toll Trap

Christopher Elliott | October 15, 2021

If you’re driving a rental car, toll roads can quickly inflate the cost of the rental. Here’s what you need to know.

Protect Your Future Travel Plans
Travel

Protect Your Future Travel Plans

Christopher Elliott | May 15, 2021

Feeling ready to plan a trip? Given the continuing uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, here’s the protection you need so you don’t end up paying if plans change.

“Trip Protection” May Not Provide Protection
Travel

“Trip Protection” May Not Provide Protection

Christopher Elliott | July 15, 2020

Beware exceptions when you sign up for “travel protection” that will leave you stuck for the bill.

Do You Deserve a Travel Refund?
Travel

Do You Deserve a Travel Refund?

Christopher Elliott | August 19, 2019

When customers request refunds, travel companies often balk. Here’s how to get what you deserve.

How to Get Top Execs to Handle Your Consumer Complaint
Money Savers

How to Get Top Execs to Handle Your Consumer Complaint

Christopher Elliott | August 16, 2017

Trying to get help from a customer service representative often is fruitless. But an executive of a company can cut…

Beware Airline “Ghost Fares”

Beware Airline “Ghost Fares”

Christopher Elliott | August 17, 2016

You find an attractive airline fare on a travel website or airline site—but when you try to book it, you…

Ways to Save on Rental Cars

Ways to Save on Rental Cars

Christopher Elliott | May 17, 2016

Don’t let a car-rental company take you for a ride. Whether you think the daily rental rate you are quoted…

The World’s Smartest Traveler Busts 6 Myths About Flying

The World’s Smartest Traveler Busts 6 Myths About Flying

Christopher Elliott | August 17, 2015

Some of the things people think they know about airline travel are not really true. Widely followed strategies for finding…

Have More Fun Traveling
Travel

Have More Fun Traveling

Christopher Elliott | April 21, 2015

Save Time, Money and Hassle with These Smartphone Apps Need to make a last-minute hotel reservation? Find your way around…

A Travel Pro’s Money-Saving Secrets
Travel

A Travel Pro’s Money-Saving Secrets

Christopher Elliott | July 30, 2012

Rock-bottom price for a rental car... First-class airplane legroom for free... and more The travel industry does not make it…