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In this issue …
• Rogue agents and frivolous suits
• American Airlines offers $50 voucher after being accused of scale ’sham’
• Solo suckers: 4 ways travel companies discriminate against singles
• Wrong name on a United Airlines ticket? No problem!
• Peanut plaintiff feeds airline lawsuit surge
• How to reach yours truly
• Support this site
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FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel
Rogue agents and frivolous suits. Customer service agents going above and beyond the call of duty? Frivolous lawsuits against airlines? Those are just two of the strange but true items I’ve covered in this week’s newsletter. And there’s more travel news — from crooked scales at airport counters to solo discrimination by travel companies — that you absolutely can’t miss!
Burning question … summer travel survival strategies? How are you surviving summer travel? I’m looking for your ultimate tips and strategies for getting through one of the most difficult summers for travel, from stretching your dollar overseas to coping with air travel delays. Send me a note and please don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.
Welcome back, Tripso. I’ve returned as the editor of Tripso, the Web site I started back in 1999. I’m also blogging for the site, and have added a new section to my newsletter to keep you updated on my stories.
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.
BLAZIN’ HOT BLOG POST | What’s burning up my bandwidth this week?
American Airlines offers $50 voucher after being accused of scale ’sham’ — You probably already suspect that the weights used at the airport check-in counter are less than accurate. But what happens when a passenger catches an airline in the act of tipping the scales? (From Elliott Blog) JOIN THE DISCUSSION — leave your comment!
Elliott’s E-Mail is also 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
SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline
A mileage mess on my mortgage — Northwest Airlines promises Dave Herstad 18,375 frequent flier miles when he applies for his mortgage. He gets the loan, but not the miles. After several rounds of finger-pointing between supervisors at Northwest, Lending Tree and Home Loan Center, his miles remain missing. What should he do? (From The Troubleshooter)
Solo suckers: Four ways travel companies discriminate against singles — The dreaded single supplement — charging solo guests up to twice a couple’s rate — isn’t new. But lately, it seems, travel companies have come to see singles as suckers. (From MSNBC.com)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Priceline.com, the leading travel service for value-conscious leisure travelers. With both Name Your Own Price and everyday fixed low prices, no other travel service gives more ways to save on their airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, vacation packages and cruises. No one does deals like Priceline.com!
BLOGGED | New posts on Elliott’s Blog
Wrong name on a United Airlines ticket? No problem! — There’s no shortage of sob stories about airline passengers who bought a ticket under a wrong name — like a maiden name or nickname — only to discover they’re holding a worthless piece of paper. So when an airline reverses course and allows a name change for free, then you have a legitimate man-bites-dog story. (From Elliott Blog)
This is your final warning: don’t buy airline vouchers online — Thinking of buying a cheap airline ticket voucher online? Oh no you don’t. (From Elliott Blog)
To infinity … and beyond! — Buzz Lightyear launched into space aboard the Shuttle Discovery this afternoon. (From Elliott Blog)
Warning: If you overnight your luggage, don’t forget to notify your hotel — Of all the creative ways of avoiding American Airlines’ controversial new checked-luggage fee, the most obvious is to ship your bag to your hotel. But here’s a tip the travel industry pundits have largely forgotten to include: make sure your hotel knows your plans. (From Elliott Blog)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by skoobadesign.com, designers of top-rated, award-winning cases and accessories for laptops and other tech/travel gear. Named “best buy” by a major independent consumer magazine, as well as leading technology, travel and general interest publications. Elliot’s E-Mail Subscribers get 20 percent off, plus free shipping (UPS Ground/48 States) on all Skooba Design orders of $50 or more. Just enter coupon code ELLIOTT20 at checkout. Some restrictions apply. Here are the details.
ON TRIPSO | Blog postings from the last honest travel site.
Peanut plaintiff feeds airline lawsuit surge — Is it too soon to say frivolous lawsuits against airlines have become a full-blown trend? The latest court action involves Tehmina Haque, a New York ophthalmologist who is suing American Airlines because it served peanut snacks on a flight. (From Tripso)
Summer travel: worse than after 9/11? — When tourism officials compare anything to 9/11, you pay attention. When they say it’s worse than 9/11, you rethink your travel plans. (From Tripso)
10 most delayed flights in America — Which flights should you avoid this summer? Here’s a list of the 10 most delayed domestic flights, courtesy of the Transportation Department. (From Tripso)
As gas prices push past $4 a gallon, car rental companies see green — Car rental companies are trying to cash in on higher gas prices and America’s newfound fascination with all things green. The latest is Advantage Rent A Car, which earlier this week declared its commitment to becoming “the first major all green car rental company in the United States.” (From Tripso)
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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:
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