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ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
The Last Honest Travel Newsletter
http://www.elliott.org

November 5, 2001

> Inside

* Revenge of the Commentators
* 'Guilt' of a Good Deal
* Disney/Michelle Update
* See You at PhoCusWright?
* Theme Parks on Sale?
* Holiday Travel Savings
* Internet Strikes Back
* Can't Log Off
* Ruling iPass Out?
* Psychology of Terror
* Faux Fare Sales
* Arm Passengers?

> This Week in Travel

** Revenge of the Commentators
The most interesting thing about last week's news wasn't what happened, but what was said about what happened. Commenting about Jim Goodwin's long overdue ouster from United Airlines, Joe Brancatelli observed, "One of the most shocking aspects of the airline business is the absolute paucity of top talent with vision and imagination." He then outlined his vision for saving the embattled carrier. The other commentary of note came from airline analyst Addison Schonland. Writing on the aviation security debate, he noted that the terrorist incidents weren't so much caused by a lapse in security as by a breakdown in communication between government agencies. "The problem is that there are many data sources that cannot 'speak' to each other," he concluded. As our leaders look to solve the travel industry's troubles, maybe they should be listening to voices such as these. - CE

> By the Way

** 'Guilt' of a Good Deal
All across the travel industry, prices have been coming down. But when you get a really good deal, do you sometimes feel as if you're taking advantage of the situation - exploiting an ailing hotel or an airline that's flying on its last wing? I'd like to know about the impossibly good deals you've gotten since the economy took a turn for the worse. And I want to know how you deal with the remorse, if any. E-mail feedback@elliott.org and please don't forget to include your full name, city, and what you do for a living. Your answer may appear in a future column.

** Disney/Michelle Update
The Crabby Traveler survived (and who knows, maybe even enjoyed) his weekend at Disney World and is working on a report. First up will by a CBS MarketWatch column, that, barring any interference from Hurricane Michelle, will appear on Tuesday. Check out this week's cheap travel tip for a preview.

** See You at PhoCusWright?
Elliott will be dropping by the The PhoCusWright Executive Conference in Miami on Tuesday to research the latest trends in online travel. So if you see someone with a dazed look and a reporter's notepad in his back pocket, come by and say hello!

> Elliott's Cheap Travel Tip

** Theme Parks on Sale?
The last thing you're probably thinking about these days is a vacation, if the latest surveys of consumer sentiment are to be believed. But after returning from Orlando yesterday evening, I think that's all the more reason to consider one. Just as an example, rates at Disney's on-site resorts start at $59 per night for travel between Nov. 23 and Dec. 25, 2001. At Universal Studios, you can save $5 by buying your ticket online, plus take advantage of other bonuses when you buy a multi-day pass. Hey, an Orlando theme park vacation still isn't cheap, but the way I figure it, these prices can only go up. Got a moneysaving tip? Send it to tip@elliott.org

> Our Sponsors

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> Elliott's Commentary

** Holiday Travel Savings
Conventional wisdom on traveling during the holidays used to go something like this: Avoid it at all costs. The conventional wisdom is wrong this year. Booking your next business trip during the busy season could save you lots of money. Let's do away with one misconception first: The holidays aren't as hectic as you might think. Read more in Mile Markers at http://www.elliott.org/vault/markers/2001/holiday.htm

** Internet Strikes Back
The Web won't give up without a good fight, at least when it comes to finding a bargain airfare. How do I know? Because the Internet answered a challenge I put to it in an earlier column as only the Internet could - immediately and, it turns out, impressively. No sooner did the Travel Tightwad I'm referring to appear than I got two answers suggesting I shouldn't count online out when buying air travel. In The Travel Tightwad at http://www.elliott.org/tightwad/2001/net.htm

** Can't Log Off
An Internet cafe in New Orleans won't let a traveler remove sensitive personal information from a rented computer. And Travelers Advantage, the site the reader is visiting, won't let anyone log off. When the police get called to the scene it starts to get interesting. Columnist Christopher Elliott picks up the story from there. Get the answer in The Travel Troubleshooter at http://www.elliott.org/ask/2001/crlog.htm

** Ruling iPass Out?
Internet connections are important to Deborah Rollins, and if you could see where she lives, you'd understand why. For eight months out of the year, Rollins resides on a boat - never too far offshore, usually within U.S. waters, but frequently relying on a cellular phone to connect to the Internet. "I'm in constant search of the perfect Internet connection with which I can primarily upload and download e-mail with occasional 'live' Internet time," she says. Read more in The Travel Technologist at http://www.elliott.org/technology/2001/ipass.htm

> Ticked.com Talk

** Psychology of Terror
Prior to this year, the most significant public event of Terry Riley's life was the assassination of President John Kennedy. All of his contemporaries feel the same. That event has now been overshadowed by an even more invidious public event. And again, his contemporaries feel the same. But now it may be time to put the events of Sept. 11 into perspective, he says. Read more in Terry Riley's column at http://www.ticked.com/errtravel/2001/errterror.htm

** Faux Fare Sales
Make sure you scour the Internet for cheap seats on airlines, warns Cheap Charlie. There is no "best site" for getting the least expensive ticket and there are fewer and fewer bargains for advance-purchased tickets. He took a look at Thanksgiving travel to try and get an idea of what's happening with airfares. After all the media blitz about very, very, very cheap tickets, his mouth was watering. On, October 23, 2001, he searched for the "best fares" between Boston and Charleston, SC, for departures on November 22 with a return on Sunday November 25. There are no big deals. Read more of Charlie Leocha's column at http://www.ticked.com/cheapcharlie/2001/chdeal.htm

** Arm Passengers?
"Folks, I have an idea worth considering in the current national discussion about air travel safety," begins a recent posting to an online forum. "Instead of spending billions of dollars and many man hours to try and prevent anyone with a weapon from boarding a commercial aircraft, why don't we just … take down the security checkpoints, do away with the x-ray machines … and instead encourage the traveling public to carry their personal weapon when they fly." Columnist Michael Shapiro follows the Internet's latest travel trend: crisis counseling. Read more in Michael Shapiro's column at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/10/07/TR86802.DTL

(Note: This URL is long and might break up. If it does, just cut and paste it into your browser.)

> Other Sponsors

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** AirJet Airline News
AirJet offers the most comprehensive airline coverage on the Internet. No wonder it's the largest electronic airline news magazine on the Internet. News updated hourly at http://www.airlinebiz.com

** CruiseMates
How have recent events affected the world of cruise ships? Most ships scheduled to sail abroad next near are being re-deployed to North America, creating a glut of cabins and some of the lowest cruise fares ever. Get the latest perspective on cruise bargains, ship security, new itineraries and cruise industry news at http://www.cruisemates.com. Or subscribe to our newsletter here: http://www.cruisemates.com/linkto/newsletter.html

> Your Opinion Matters

Read something you disagree with? Got a story idea or a gripe? Your opinion can make a difference. E-mail editor@elliott.org or call (305) 453-4781 with any comments, feedback or suggestions about anything in this newsletter. Your participation won't just make it a better service, but it could also improve travel.

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