ELLIOTT’S E-MAIL
Travel tips, news and information
April 4, 2007
When I opened my newsletter, I was surprised to find … The redesign of Elliott’s E-Mail and elliott.org is done — and you’re gonna love it. This week I’m introducing new features, new corporate underwriters, a new logo and design. Everything’s new! Plus, catch the latest travel news, including the FCC’s new mandate for airline passengers, the sad decline of airline quality and the seduction of the travel press by one very big plane.
» Read this week’s newsletter online.
This issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is underwritten by Cheapflights.com, which lets you perform multiple searches for all the best airfare deals on the Web. If there’s a great airfare deal on the Web, you’ll find it at Cheapflights.com. Search and compare.
FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel
Burning question … I can’t believe I wrote that! — This week I’m inaugurating a new feature called “I can’t believe I wrote that” (here’s a related story). My burning question for this week: Tell me about your favorite I-can’t-believe-I-wrote-that moment. Did you send someone an e-mail that you later regretted? Did you write a poem, limerick, essay or commentary that you wish you hadn’t? Send me a note or shoot me an IM (celliottlive on AIM).
Thank you, Chris Jernigan! So who’s the Web design genius behind this newsletter and Web site? It’s none other than Chris Jernigan of the innovative design firm HeftyMedia. I’ve worked with Chris for years, and I think he’s one of the most creative minds in the industry. If you’re looking for someone to give your Web site a fresh look, contact him today.
A note about our corporate underwriters. A few years ago, I promised to make this newsletter and Web site advertising-free. Instead of selling big banner ads, I said I would rely on the financial contributions from readers like you and from companies who want believe in the mission of this site. This week, I’m happy to welcome several new corporate underwriters to the family. Cheapflights.com, HeftyMedia.com and the Alaska TravelGram are on board because we share a goal of making the travel industry a better place. Thank you!
SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline
Priceline’s missing connection — Her sister’s first flight on Delta Air Lines to Corpus Christi, Texas, is canceled. Her second one is delayed and by the time she’s cleared for takeoff, she has missed her job interview, so decides to stay home. Now Marie Darna wants her money back. But what, if anything, does her online agency owe her? (From The Troubleshooter)
Saving your trip — Your airline lost your luggage. Your car rental company ran out of sedans and handed you the keys to a gas-guzzling van. Your hotel can’t find your reservation, and you’re homeless on vacation. What now? (From The Dallas Morning News)
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 CSR and Ellipses
I can’t believe I wrote that! — Forget writer’s block. How about writer’s regret? Like the story I penned about kids on planes that suggested we just ban all babies. Readers loved it, but then I had kids of my own. And now the joke’s on me. (From Ellipses)
FCC to cell phone users: drop dead — The Federal Communications Commission doesn’t want us to use cell phones on planes. It’s apparently so adamant about it that it’s stopped listening to those of us who want to be able to fire up our handsets on board. (From Ellipses)
Airline quality in freefall — It wasn’t your imagination. The latest Airline Quality Rating suggests that when it comes to domestic airlines, customer service in 2006 declined to levels not seen in three years. Overall, industry performance dropped in three of four key areas: on-time arrivals, involuntary denied-boardings and mishandled baggage. (From Ellipses)
Overlooked: like, the rest of travel? — The breathless, largely uncritical coverage of the new Airbus A380 superjumbo last week — both online and in the mainstream media — may be a symptom of a much bigger problem that has afflicted the travel press since Wilbur and Orville Wright took flight at Kitty Hawk. (From Ellipses)
FLASHBACK | A retrospective from the Elliott archives
More cell phones on planes …
The French disconnection — It’s the end of the world. Or at least it’s the end of Western civilization. Air France announced today that it will take delivery early next year of the first Airbus aircraft line fitted with the OnAir GSM equipment, which will allow passengers to use mobile phones on board. (From Ellipses)
Mobile users zap columnist — I wasn’t kidding. I really do believe portable phones should be restricted at airports, if not banned altogether, as I suggested in last week’s column. I think phone-free terminals will make airports safer, saner places, and I’m not going to back down from my conclusion that curbing loudmouth wireless callers is a reasonable idea. (From The Travel Technologist)
TALKBACK | How to sound off about this site
Read something you disagree with? Got a story idea or a gripe? Here’s how to be heard:
» Send me an e-mail.
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Elliott’s E-Mail is published 50 times a year by Christopher Elliott. (c) 2007 Christopher Elliott.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
It looks like you really had a nice time. notem6715