April 11, 2007

ELLIOTT’S E-MAIL
Travel tips, news and information
April 11, 2007

And the armies of evil surrounded the capitol … Oh, all right. I’m being overly dramatic. But not by much. The good guys are going to Washington later this week to testify on Capitol Hill about the need for a Passenger Bill of Rights. And the bad guys will be there, waiting. So will their lobbyists, apologists, paid spokespeople and lackeys. If you read nothing else in this week’s newsletter, read this and do something. Because as air travelers, this may be our once-in-a-generation chance to change airlines for the better. (Of course, there’s much more in this week’s issue … so read on.)

» Read this week’s newsletter online.

This issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is underwritten by Cheapflights.com, which, in association with Institute for Aeronautic Wellness, has created a series of training videos to help decent travelers everywhere learn to endure difficult in-flight situations, and difficult fellow travelers. Find out more at Instituteforaeronauticwellness.com

FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel

Burning question … Your vacation inflation horror stories — As we start to plan our summer vacations, a new survey by the Travel Industry Association suggests that we’re getting less for our vacation while spending more. Here’s a related blog entry. My burning question for this week: Tell me about your vacation inflation experiences. That moment when you discovered you were getting less while paying more. How did you feel about it … and what did you do? Send me a note or shoot me an IM (celliottlive on AIM).

Our 2007 fundraiser starts next week. This site and newsletter represent one of the last remaining efforts to bring quality, commercial-free, consumer-focused travel journalism to the Web. Once a year, we ask for your support. The 2007 fundraiser begins next week, but you can get an early start here. Thank you for your help!

SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline

An extra ‘e’ and a change fee — Mary Wiebusch returns her Air New Zealand ticket to Orbitz after she inadvertently spells her husband’s name with an extra “e” when she makes his reservation. She sends the tickets back to the online agency, but now they have gone missing. How does she go about getting Orbitz to send the tickets back to her? And should she have returned them to Orbitz in the first place? (From The Troubleshooter)

Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by the Alaska Travelgram, which gives you the inside scoop on Alaska, with information on activities, accommodations, hot air fare deals and secret insider tips — from the folks who live there. Subscribe here. It’s free.

BLOGGED | New posts on Ellipses

Vacation inflation? — The term “vacation inflation” is often used in a timeshare pitch. The price of everything else is going up, your salesperson warns. But if you buy your timeshare today, you’ll avoid vacation inflation. (From Ellipses)

Who does the Air Travelers Association really represent? — Do air travelers want a Bill of Rights? Apparently they don’t — or at least they shouldn’t — according to the Air Travelers Association, which this morning issued a press release saying that the proposed legislation is “feel good, but ironically will not do good for passengers.” The statement is impeccably timed. Later this week, key players in the bill battle will testify on Capitol Hill. (From Ellipses)

A pre-existing conditions scam? — I’ve never been a big fan of travel insurance — or of any insurance, for that matter. You either have to pay a high deductible to use it (health insurance) or you have to die (life insurance) or it’s no good at all. That certainly seems to be the case with many forms of travel insurance these days. (From Ellipses)

Overlooked: bad service/good profits — Can a business that takes its customers for granted — in some cases, even hates them — still rake in record profits? Does it deserve to? Those aren’t academic questions. They’re actually issues that this week’s events should have raised, but that haven’t. (From Ellipses)

Kate needs your help — Readers of this site have followed the brave efforts of Kate Hanni as she’s fought for a Passengers Bill of Rights. And many of you have told me that you think it’s time for our elected representatives to take some action. Well, I received a call from one of Kate’s people yesterday, and now it’s time for us to put up. Kate’s going to Washington — and she needs your support. (From Ellipses)

FLASHBACK | A retrospective from the Elliott archives

Less is more. What kind of doublespeak is that? George Orwell might appreciate it, but not travelers. Or travel agents. Here are a few stories from the vault that suggest less may not always be more.

Less is more — Travel agents are angrily denouncing Delta Air Lines’ long-awaited decision to eliminate their commissions — a move matched by the carrier’s competitors almost immediately — as a hidden fare increase. They claim airlines are effectively raising ticket prices by forcing travelers to pay higher agency booking fees. (From Commentary)

Is less more? — Given the airline industry’s dismal state, passengers have accepted recent cuts in amenities, services and meals without much complaining. But when American Airlines announced it would scrap its roomier economy-class seats on nearly a quarter of its flights, Ed Kummel snapped. (From Commentary)

Goodbye to all that — Farewell, room service. Adieu, boarding passes. See ya later, legroom. All three did a disappearing act in 1998, leaving travelers cramped, hungry and irritated. Other perks that went “poof” included peanuts on flights and some mileage rewards. (From Ellipses)

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Elliott’s E-Mail is published 50 times a year by Christopher Elliott. (c) 2007 Christopher Elliott.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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