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

Rental Car Insurance—What You Should Know
Automotive

Rental Car Insurance—What You Should Know

Christopher Elliott | September 20, 2024

"Do I need rental car insurance?" How you deal with this single question could double the cost of your car…

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Pros and Cons of Each
Travel

Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Pros and Cons of Each

Christopher Elliott | August 30, 2024

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are two different US government “Trusted Traveler Programs” that allow travelers to minimize potentially lengthy…

When Your Flight Is Cancelled
Travel

When Your Flight Is Cancelled

Christopher Elliott | July 30, 2024

New Department of Transportation rules have strengthened your rights when airlines cancel or significantly delay flights. What you need to…

Is an Airbnb Right for Your Next Vacation?
Travel

Is an Airbnb Right for Your Next Vacation?

Christopher Elliott | July 15, 2024

Deciding between a vacation-home rental and a hotel for your next vacation? Here are the pros and cons of each,…

How to…Contact Companies That Really Don’t Want You To
Consumer Technology

How to…Contact Companies That Really Don’t Want You To

Christopher Elliott | July 1, 2024

Want to call Frontier Airlines to fix a problem with your flight? Well, you can’t—the airline recently stopped using its…

You Can Rent RVs, Pools and More
Travel

You Can Rent RVs, Pools and More

Christopher Elliott | June 11, 2024

Did you know that you can rent far more than just vacation properties these days? In fact, there are numerous…

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.

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.