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I need your help now. Why support a site that offers unflinchingly honest coverage of the travel industry at a time like this? Good question. Let me answer that with another question: Who else is going to do it? Think about it. There are only a few real traveler advocates out there, and when they’re gone, who are you gonna call? Here’s how to support this site now by becoming an underwriter. I’m giving away a Rojeti travel laundry bag to the first seven people who sign up this week. It’s compact, useful and environmentally friendly (you’ll love it!). I also have a surprise book I’m sending to four random supporters.
Thank you! I’m deeply grateful to those of you who have become underwriters this year, as well as my friends at Skoobadesign.com, who, like all of my underwriters, see the value of honest consumer journalism. Please consider buying your next bag from Skoobadesign.com to show your support.
Hell has frozen over. That’s right, they’ve nominated my blog for an award. I never win anything (then again, I don’t nominate myself for anything, either). Please click on the link and vote for anyone but me if you want me to keep my perfect track record. ;-)
Can they do that? What are the four silliest travel rules you’ve never heard of? In this week’s must-read MSNBC.com column I’ll let you know, and I’ll explain just how absurd they are. Plus, what happens when you buy a business-class ticket but end up in economy class? If you guessed that you still had to pay the business-class fare, you’re right. Read this week’s Travel Troubleshooter to find out if there’s any hope for a refund.
Our very own insurance meltdown. Who knew the travel industry had its its own scandal of AIG-like proportions? Well, sort of. This week, I report on the questionable dealings of Prime Travel Protection and how state and federal investigators are poised to crack down on the company and agents that sold its policies. Also, I have a report on cookies and fare differentials, and the tale of a no-show on Spirit Airlines.
Discriminatory mileage offers? Over at Tripso, I wonder if Delta’s mileage offers are discriminatory. I also take a look at airline security fees under the new administration. And I wonder: How low can hotel rates go? (Hint — they’re not done falling.)
Freedom! Over at our new site, Souvenirist, I’ve posted photos and a video of what happens when Mom goes away and creates a three-on-one situation. Incidentally, Kari was in New York and her return was delayed by a day thanks to the snowstorms. So the fun lasted a whole extra day!
Please visit our other underwriters, including Cheapflights.com, FirstClassFlyer.com and Carrentals.co.uk. If you want to feel the love of close to 40,000 newsletter subscribers, you can become a corporate underwriter, too. Here’s how.
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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