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What’s new on Elliott? Revenge at sea, compassionate companies and a can’t-miss rocket launch

March 31, 2009

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What do Competitours, G1G, and the Orlando CVB have in common? They’re the newest corporate underwriters of this newsletter. I wanted to take a moment to thank them for their support. If it weren’t for them, as well as the hundreds of individual underwriters, none of this would be possible. But why do I love them? The answer is here.

This week’s burning question: rules they should bring back? What old travel industry rule would you like to see revived? The flat-tire rule? The one-hour rule for car renters? What about other pro-consumer rules that have fallen by the wayside? Please let me know, and don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.

Revenge at sea! Do passengers have cruise lines over a barrel? Yes they do — and in my MSNBC.com column, I explain what they’re doing to them. And in this week’s Travel Troubleshooter, see what happens when one airline passenger is hit with a huge change fee for refundable tickets.

Resort fees and compassionate travel companies. What a week it’s been on the blog. First, there’s a report on the resurgence of undisclosed resort fees. I also report on a questionable Sea Miles purchase and how one cruise line handled the complaint. There’s one woman’s story of a compassionate airline. And speaking of compassion, I have another air carrier that bent a rule to give a passenger elite status. And more good news — I’m being serious — from car rental companies.

Blast off! Finally, you can’t miss the video of the Space Shuttle launch as seen from our front yard over on our new site, Souvenirist. Also, check out the new page that displays all of our destinations on an interactive map.

Please visit our other underwriters, including FirstClassFlyer.com, Skoobadesign.com and Cheapflights.com. 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.

2 comments

  • Douglas Beatty

    Elliot: I recently reserved a room for two adults through Priceline for a stay in Portland. This being only the second time I have used them. I made the reservation in my name for two adults (my buddy and I) not Mr. and Mrs. When we checked in they said they only had a room with one queen size bed. This forced me to sleep on a rollaway. Additonally the parking was $31 a night. I would like to warn people using Priceline to watch out for these things. Apparently best to call the hotel right away after making the reservaton to reserve the type of room. But I don’t know what to do about additional charges such as parking fees as there is no way to know what hotel you will get until after the fact.
    Thanks and Aloha, Doug Beatty.

  • Carver

    @Doug

    Respectfully, I don’t see the gripe. Priceline clearly states that bed type is not guaranteed. Additionally room rates whether on priceline or directly with the hotel, never include parking unless specifically park of a package.

    I don’t have problems with optional fees such as parking. I have the choice of using the facility and being charged or not using the facility and not be charged. When traveling I rent cars in certain cities and pay for parking. In other cities (NY) I never rent a car and would want the parking charge to be included in my room rate, thus making it unavoidable.

    Basically when you use Priceline, you understand that you are getting the leftovers.

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