After a marathon 15-hour drive from the Washington, DC-area to Orlando yesterday, we made it back home at 1:30 a.m. But there’s no time to sleep: this week’s newsletter is filled with fascinating cases that you’ll want to read, from one customer’s Wal-Mart refund that went awry to a car rental insurance screw-up. Also, find out how to avoid the spam scam and read about our adventure in Quebec City on National Geographic Traveler’s Intelligent Travel blog.
Elliott’s E-Mail
Greetings from Quebec City! This week’s newsletter is more than your fix of fascinating travel cases; it’s a tour of the East Coast, from Florida to Canada and points between.
As I write this, we are stuck somewhere between an earthquake in Virginia and hurricane Irene. I’ll have a full report tomorrow morning. Meantime, check out the latest Troubleshooter column on a hotel smoking fee, find out why pet owners are angry at yours truly, and see what AT&T did when it accidentally double-billed a customer.
Ready for something completely different? In a week, this blog goes on the road, bringing you fresh insights from ground level. In the meantime, don’t miss my Washington Post column on the TSA’s trusted traveler program. The week’s hot topic? Public urination on planes. I also have a story of a shipping company that did [...]
There’s so much in this week’s issue of Elliott’s E-Mail, I hardly know where to begin. Here are the highlights: There’s a Mint.com column about finding any manager’s email address that should be extremely helpful the next time you have a service-related problem. My report from the Western Mediterranean and the NCL Epic just posted on National Geographic Traveler.
This week’s issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is filled with useful advice and unbelievable customer-service stories with improbable resolutions. You have to check out my Mint.com column on finding a manager’s phone number. Also, learn about which four service mistakes could kill your business over on CBS Interactive. And I have a few hot discussions on my website, including one about a travel agent’s hotel booking error and flight attendants who don’t like their passengers.
It’s yet another “can’t miss” issue of Elliott’s E-Mail, and here’s why: Where else can you read the luggage secrets your airline doesn’t want you to know? Or the awesome consumer websites corporate America is trying to kill (indeed, after this story published, I learned at least one of them was shut down). Follow our [...]
In this issue, I’ll tell you what to do when a company offers substandard service. Should you shame it — or sue?. Also, check out a lively discussion on airport parking fees. Find out why we keep coming back for more, even when a company disses us. And mark up our map of the Mediterranean — go on, it’ll be fun!
In this week’s issue, check out my Washington Post column with the ending everyone hates. Also, did Alaska Airlines overcompensate this passenger? And find out how the debt crisis could improve customer service.
Welcome to the new and improved version of my biweekly newsletter. You’ll definitely want to read this issue from beginning to end, because I’ll share secrets for how to get your way when something goes wrong. Plus, I have a post that has melted down the comments on flying with infants, and a funny but true story about the emails businesses should never, ever write.
In this issue, I’ll tell you what happens when John Pistole and Janet Napolitano get together for movie night. I have exciting details about my new book. And I examine the lessons learned from the worst customer experience ever.
My Washington Post column about the dangers of travel in Europe is a hot one. We also have a lively discussion about TSA reform and the true story of someone whose wireless phone bill was adjusted with a little help from yours truly.
Here’s how not to be put on “hold” forever. How about a forgotten ticket refund? Or this list of states with the highest car repair bills.
Here’s the online version of Elliott’s E-Mail. If this doesn’t display correctly, why not switch subscriptions to my RSS feed or my daily e-mail newsletter? Please check out our underwriter, Florida Vacation Auction, where you can save up to 80 percent off retail on resorts, hotels and attractions in the auction and 20 to 30 [...]
Can you say “no” to a clever sales pitch? One expert tells you how. Also, should you have to pay twice for the same ticket? I have the answer in this week’s Travel Troubleshooter column. There’s also a lively discussion on the benefits of travel insurance and an answer to the question: Can a “bad” company offer good service?
Why are air travelers confused? I have a few thoughts in my new National Geographic Traveler column. (By the way, I know American is back on Orbitz — the story was published before the court ruling.) Also, check out my Washington Post story on photography in public places. Over at CBS Interactive, I have analysis of this morning’s troubling new customer service scores for airlines and hotels. And, can this trip be saved?
What are the seven signs you’re being scammed? I’ve got ‘em right here. Plus, read about why Twitter may not be necessary after all, find out about a hotel-room snafu that got unscrewed and get the lowdown on companies that keep you on “hold” forever.
Our unauthorized tour of the “real” St. Lucia just posted on National Geographic Traveler’s site. There’s also a lively debate on accountability and the TSA, cruise upgrades that don’t exist, and companies that answer the phone on the first ring.
Can anyone agree on which company has the worst service? I have the answer here. After Delta’s little dust-up with its luggage fees charged to soldiers, I also have a few thoughts on the true cost of flying. Over at CBS Interactive, I’ve got posts on the things companies do to annoy customers and on Spirit’s questionable questionnaire.
I got slammed with comments after my interview with Ryan Miklus, whose mother was involved in a confrontation with the TSA in Phoenix recently. Also, you’ll want to check out the best companies for customer service — and the worst.
