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In this issue …
• Flying traitors: Why air travel is un-American
• The truth about checkpoint-friendly luggage
• Study suggests corporate travel managers are in total denial about economic downturn
• How to reach yours truly
• Support this site
This issue of Elliott’s E-mail is 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!
FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel
Thanks for reading Elliott’s E-Mail. Every week, I try to inform and enlighten travelers with the content on my blog and in my columns. Got any suggestions? Send me a note.
Burning question: What makes you happy about travel? What one thing about travel has made you happy or grateful in the last few months? The advent of checkpoint-friendly luggage? Low fares (despite predictions to the contrary)? How about cheaper hotel rates? What do you think? Send me a note and please don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.
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SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline
Hey Priceline, I want my taxes back! — When he cancels his trip to Istanbul, Kevin O’Connell tries to get a refund for the taxes and fees on his flight. But his online travel agent, Priceline, is giving him the runaround. How does he get his money back? (From The Troubleshooter)
Flying traitors: Why air travel is un-American — Air travel is profoundly inequitable, it is becoming increasingly unfair, and yes, it is time to do something about it. Here’s what. (From MSNBC.com)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by MagicalMousePlans.com which provides complete travel planning for all Disney vacations – Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Lines and Adventures by Disney. Free Concierge Service. We beat Disney prices! Check us out at MagicalMousePlans.com
BLOGGED | New posts on Elliott’s Blog
The truth about checkpoint-friendly luggage — You’ve probably heard about checkpoint-friendly bags, which allow you to go through airport security screening without removing your laptop. But there’s a catch. (From Elliott Blog)
Escape from checked bag fees: 3 tips — Airlines apparently aren’t the only ones incapable of quoting a total fare. Cruise lines can’t give us a straight price, either. You’ve probably heard about their fuel surcharges and their new steak fees. But have you tried to book a floating vacation recently? (From Elliott Blog)
A one-week cruise for just $299 — wait, make that $556 — What’s a year? If you said 365 days, you obviously don’t work for an airline. Air carriers apparently have another definition, as many passengers learn when they decide to recycle their ticket credit for another flight. (From Elliott Blog)
No reservations? Next time, call the hotel to confirm — Here’s another reason to call your hotel before checking in: Your online travel agency may say you have a reservation and your credit card may show a charge for the booking, but that’s no guarantee you’ll have a room. (From Elliott Blog)
“With all due respect, this is just getting silly” — It’s no secret that hotels are tightening their rules to lift faltering earnings. But how far will the lodging industry go to bring in more money? If you said “too far” then you must have read Matt Holly’s mind. (From Elliott Blog)
Are airlines redefining “year” so they can pocket your money? — What’s a year? If you said 365 days, you obviously don’t work for an airline. Air carriers apparently have another definition, as many passengers learn when they decide to recycle their ticket credit for another flight. (From Elliott Blog)
Elliott’s E-Mail is also underwritten by Skooba Design, 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
Study suggests corporate travel managers are in total denial about economic downturn — The fundamentals of the American economy are sound. No, that’s not campaign rhetoric. That’s according to a new poll of corporate travel managers conducted by the National Business Travel Association. (From Tripso)
Are airports trying to kill their customers? — Airports are trying to kill their passengers. I came to that unlikely conclusion after spending a quiet afternoon at Continental Airlines’ “C” terminal in Houston. As I sat at Gate 36, waiting for my flight back to Orlando, I had an epiphany. They want us all all dead. (From Tripso)
With oil at $75 a barrel, another airline lowers its fuel surcharge — Another airline is lowering its unpopular fuel surcharge. Lufthansa announced this morning it will reduce its energy fee by $3 to $100, depending on the route. The move follows several unofficial fuel surcharge reductions we reported earlier today. (From Tripso)
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.
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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BECOME AN UNDERWRITER | How to support Elliott
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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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