Read this week’s issue online or subscribe to the RSS feed.
In this issue …
• Outraged
• “The worst travel experience I’ve ever had”
• 4 outrageous airline fees and how to avoid them
• Two important warnings for Americans using their credit cards in Europe
• Maybe May wasn’t such a good month for the airlines after all
• How to reach yours truly
• Support this site
This issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is underwritten by FirstClassFlyer.com, the only tool you need to fly first class for the price of coach — or close to it. Looking for free and purchased upgrades, two-for-ones and a fast-track to elite status strategies? Look no further than FirstClassFlyer.com
FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel
Outraged! We’re all feeling it. That sense of indignation, as summer crawls along and travel goes from bad to worse. This week, I share several stories about outrage — and payback.
Burning question … What are you doing to fight back? If you’re upset about the state of the travel industry — and who isn’t? — then this week’s question is for you. Other than getting mad, what are you doing about it? Have you figured out a way to get a little payback? Are you swiping extra soap from your overpriced hotel room? Filling the seat pocket with used napkins? Short-selling airline stock? Send me a note and please don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.
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BLAZIN’ HOT BLOG POST | What’s burning up my bandwidth this week?
“The worst travel experience I’ve ever had” — Wendy Watkins thought she was boarding a flight from Oakland to Long Beach last Saturday. She thought wrong. Instead of getting on a JetBlue to Southern California, which boarded from gate 9, she accidentally got on the flight from Oakland to New York, which left from gate 9a. (From Elliott Blog) JOIN THE DISCUSSION — leave your comment!
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SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline
They didn’t leave the light on for me — Ellie Pope is offered a free room-night certificate as compensation for a bad stay at a Motel 6. But when she tries to redeem it, she’s told it’s no good. How do you get the hotel to keep its promise? (From The Troubleshooter)
4 outrageous airline fees and how to avoid them — The airlines don’t want you to read this. They’d rather you fork one of the new surcharges they’ve dreamed up during the last few weeks. They want you to pay extra for your first checked bag, for drinkable water — even for “free” award tickets. (From MSNBC.com)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Carrentals.co.uk, which provides the easiest and quickest way to search for car hire on the web. Our car rental search engine will compare the market in seconds and provide you with prices from up to 40 car hire suppliers. Cheap car hire is one search away!
BLOGGED | New posts on Elliott’s Blog
Are airlines that charge for checked luggage more responsible for your stuff? — Today’s number is 15. As in $15, which is what American Airlines began charging passengers for the first checked bag, effective June 15. (From Elliott Blog)
“I could hear them talking about what a pain customers are” — You probably already know about foreign exchange fees. But did you know your credit card may not work overseas at all? (From Elliott Blog)
Two important warnings for Americans using their credit cards in Europe — Ten years ago a United Airlines flight attendant appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman was fired for calling passengers “the enemy.” (From Elliott Blog)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Cheapflights.com, which lets you search and compare flights to find the lowest-priced airfare for your next trip. Get the details at Cheapflights.com.
ON TRIPSO | Blog postings from the last honest travel site.
Maybe May wasn’t such a good month for the airlines after all — Was May a good news month for the airline industry? You might be forgiven for thinking so, based on the glowing coverage of yesterday’s government announcement that airline on-time performance had improved. (From Tripso)
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.
• Call me. My direct phone number is (407) 699-9529.
• Send me an instant message on Gmail.
• Shoot me a note or chat by video on AIM.
• Skype me. My username is christopherjelliott.
• Find me on MySpace.
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• Catch me on Facebook.
• See me on Flickr.
• Find out what I’m doing now on Twitter.
• Post a response below an article, in the “Comment on this article” field.
Please note: Unless you specify otherwise, all e-mails, letters and phone conversations are considered “on the record.” That means your name could be used in a future article.
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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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