March 7, 2007

ELLIOTT’S E-MAIL
Travel tips, news and information
March 7, 2007

I know your future. I’m no fortune-teller, but I know a thing or two about the news business. And during the last few months, it’s become crystal clear that the way you want your information is changing. In a big way. This week, in the first of what will be many improvements to this newsletter and site, I’ve responded with my first foray into videocasting. (Hey, you gotta start somewhere.) Please send me your thoughts about how you want your travel news. In this week’s issue of Elliott’s E-Mail, I’ve also got stories about weather delays, customer service and airline word games. Plus, new pictures in Postcards.

» Read this week’s newsletter online.

FIRST | Random thoughts about the week in travel

Burning question … Should you take advantage of fare errors? — Have you ever caught wind of a fare error on a Web site, and been tempted to book the lower rate? What happened? Did the site honor your price? Did it cancel your reservation? This week, I’m interested in your experiences with pricing errors — when a too-good-to-be-true rate really was too good to be true. Send me a note or shoot me an IM (celliottlive on AIM).

You’d look good here! Elliott’s E-Mail is restarting its corporate underwriter program soon, and your company should be a part of it. Here’s why: not only is it the most cost-effective way to reach a core group of dedicated and savvy travelers, but I also guarantee that you will reach these 35,000 weekly subscribers with your message. E-mail me for details.

SIGHTINGS | Noted Elliott appearances online and offline

You call that a weather delay? — What does an airline owe you for a 30-hour delay? If the weather is to blame, the answer is: nothing. But Vinit Desai isn’t so sure that Mother Nature is the culprit when American Airlines plays the weather card on his recent flight from San Francisco to Pittsburgh. Find out if he’s right. (From The Troubleshooter)

Obsessive about service — the good and the bad — I spend more time on the road than the average hotel concierge. I founded the American chapter of Les Clefs d’Or, a professional association of concierges, which takes me to meetings all over the world. And when I’m off work, I travel, too. It’s my hobby. (From The New York Times)

BLOGGED | New posts on CSR and Ellipses

FlyerTalk sold to Internet Brands — Late yesterday I learned that FlyerTalk, the popular travel community operated by frequent flier guru Randy Petersen, was being sold to Internet Brands. In response to my inquiries, the acquiring company issued a terse statement that it “looked forward to having FlyerTalk join the Internet Brands’ family of travel websites.” It did not disclose any other details, including terms of the deal. (From Ellipses)

What the #&%@$ is an ultra low cost carrier? — Largely overlooked in Spirit Airways’ decision to go RyanAir — and can anyone blame the mainstream media for being fixated on its announcement to start charging customers for checked luggage and soft drinks? — is this whole business about becoming an “ultra low cost carrier.” (From Ellipses)

Three Epcot secrets — Because we live in Orlando — and because we have annual passes to every attraction within driving distance of our house — readers are always asking us for “insider” tips about the area’s theme parks. Take Disney’s Epcot, for example, which is one of the largest attractions in the area. Where do all the locals go? What do they know that you don’t? (From Ellipses)

Overlooked: Hotel norovirus outbreaks — The travel blogosphere likes to get all lathered up about norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships — and yes, I’m one of those commentators who doesn’t miss an opportunity to join in. But how about the hotels that have similar problem? That was the case just yesterday at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City. (From Ellipses)

‘Game over’ for bill of rights opponents? — There’s an interesting interview with Passenger Bill of Rights opponent Kevin Mitchell in the March 5 issue of US News & World Report. Asked if the recent runway imprisonment incidents were a wake-up call for the airline industry, the chairman of the Business Travel Coalition said: “Let’s put it this way. I think if something like this happened again in two weeks, it would be lights out, game over, and there would be no stopping legislation.” Well, why wait? It’s happened again. (From Ellipses)

FLASHBACK | A retrospective from the Elliott archives

More on weather delays …

Promises, promises — I recently flew from Memphis to Vail, Colo., via Dallas on American Airlines. Because of weather problems, our flight to Dallas was delayed by more than two hours. Our pilot assured us that all Dallas flights were delayed and our connection would still be available. (From The Troubleshooter)

Shuffle by United — It took Norm Gilbert 4 1/2 hours to fly from Orlando to San Francisco a few weeks ago. Then it took him another four hours to fly home to San Diego. Did he exchange his plane tickets for a hot-air balloon ride? Hardly. (From The Travel Critic)

POSTCARDS | The latest from Elliott’s personal photo blog

Sea lions! — This sea lion sure is loud. I can’t even hear myself think!

Daddy and me — Hey, look at me. I can sit upright — and I’m only four months old! Thanks for the assist, Dad.

Meeting Nemo — Now that I’ve found Nemo and his father, what’s next? I’m all out of sequel ideas, Pixar.

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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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