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What’s new on Elliott: Guess who wants to start charging for luggage, travel agency sues customer, and 10 questions for travelers

January 12, 2010

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Paris, Texas? You would expect some travelers to be geographically illiterate (“Is Hawaii in the United States?”). But have you ever come across someone in the travel industry — an agent, airline or hotel — who didn’t know the difference between Paris, France and Paris, Texas? Send me your story, and please don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.

In this issue. New baggage fees are on the rise. Plus, 10 questions asked by travelers, and flying under the influence of the TSA.

New posts

• 10 questions most frequently asked by travelers (MSNBC)

• Flying under the influence of the TSA: What now? (The Washington Post)

• Continental Airlines poaches a frequent flier after Delta drops the ball

• Is Southwest Airlines about to start charging for checked luggage?

• Palm Coast Travel sues a customer — and me

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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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1 comment

  • Nobody

    I don’t know why frequent flyers complain so hard about a la carte` fees, wanting the airlines to simplify and raise ticket prices fairly to stay in business. Adding $100 to the ticket price instead of $100 fee for baggage is costlier to the tune of the taxes the govment puts on airline tickets for safety costs and just getting revenue for the general fund. Do the math for a $200 round trip with two bags. [$200 ticket +14% of $200 + $100] < [$300 + 14% of $300] by $14. Maybe it seems insignificant to other FF if the ticket cost is $1200 or $2200 and the savings remains $14, that is, the ticket tax rate times the equivalent ticket price increase to the bag fees. Then the bag fees are chump change, too. I have better uses for my money than to finance the govment's spending. But, then, again, who am I?
    Nobody was faster

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