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Copyright Elliott Publishing. All rights reserved. For more information, call (305) 453-4781 or send e-mail to us.

ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
http://www.elliott.org

August 11, 2003

>> Inside <<

* What are they Smoking?
* Left it at Home?
* Kill First Class
* Beware of Hidden Card Fees
* Complaints That Didn't Make the Cut
* Keys to Luxury

>> First Off <<

** What are they Smoking?
If you look up the word "clueless" in the dictionary, you won't find "US Airways" - but this week, you probably should. Just as it's becoming clear that first class service is going the way of the dodo - at least domestically - the beleaguered carrier announced it was adding the big seats to its shuttle flights. What are they smoking in Arlington? You can read my commentary on the disappearance of first class in this week's newsletter. Also, catch Charlie Leocha's important expose on card fees and in Not2far, read all about finding luxury in the Florida Keys.

>> Underwritten By <<

** International Living
Retire overseas. Learn about the world's six best places to live or retire. Live like royalty on $17 a day. Own an exotic beachfront getaway for $35,000. Or a romantic pied-a-terre for under $60,000. Enjoy fine restaurant dining for $7 per person. Employ a maid or gardener for $2 a day. Buy comprehensive health insurance for $20 per month. Get the details in your free report now.

>> By The Way <<

** Left it at Home?
Which items do you most frequently forget at home? Your toothbrush? Laptop computer? Glasses? Share your stories with us. Send us an e-mail at and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Kill First Class
Flying first class isn't what it used to be, to hear travelers like Gary Arbonies talk about it. "First class is what coach class was like a decade ago," complained the San Diego furniture consultant. It isn't just the meager meals, which he says resemble those once served in steerage. Legroom and service have slipped, too, as the airlines' fortunes took a nose dive. Maybe it's time for domestic airlines to stop pretending they offer first-class service, at least on domestic flights. > Details in Opinion.

> Can First Class
> Go Ahead, Ditch First Class
> First Class Fading Fast

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Beware of Hidden Card Fees
Using your credit card while traveling overseas may get you the best exchange rate. But travelers must watch which credit card they use while traveling. Some credit cards end up charging unaware travelers up to 7% for transactions overseas. I have often told friends that the best exchange rates while traveling overseas are those obtained when using a credit card. But the credit card world has changed dramatically over the past few years. > Read more in Charles Leocha's.

> American Exclusive
> Pick a Card
> Plastic Perks

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Complaints That Didn't Make the Cut
Most letters I receive are legitimate requests for help from travelers who have been wronged by an airline, hotel or car rental agency. But not all of them are. Here's a selection of gripes that didn't make the cut - from bad plumbing in hotel rooms to rude airline employees. > In Fix My Trip.

> Duped by Priceline?
> Help! Marriott Stole My Miles
> Routed From Rio

>> Destination of the Week <<

** Keys to Luxury
The come-as-you-are Florida Keys are synonymous with fishing, diving and dusk-to-dawn parties. But luxury vacations? Conventional wisdom says skip this wacky island chain and try Coconut Grove or Palm Beach instead. Hold on. Although the Keys' reputation as a place that's a little rough around the edges is well-deserved, several new attractions have emerged that offer true extravagance. > In Not2far's Destination of the Week.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** Firstclassflyer.com
Fly first class for the price of coach. Looking for free and purchased upgrades, 2-for-1s and a fast-track to elite status strategies? Look no further...these hot deals and more are available at First Class Flyer's Web site. Secrets of first class air travel are revealed to you every month in "Mr. Upgrade's" newsletter.

** Not2far.com
Where do you want to go on your next vacation? If you answered "not too far" then have we got the site for you. Not2far.com shows you the unfamiliar side to a familiar place - whether it's running with the dogs in Sun Valley, Id., or eating frogs in Fellsmere, Fla.

** Plane Quiet
Plane Quiet active noise canceling headsets provides full-spectrum noise cancellation at an affordable price. Its revolutionary new product has been rated "Best Consumer Value" for travelers, and works with all airline entertainment systems, DVD players, mp3 players and laptop computers. Lightweight and foldable, Plane Quiet is your perfect choice for travel. It offers a 60 day money-back guarantee. Get an additional 10% off when you enter ELLIOTT in the coupon code.

>> Who's Reading Elliott's E-Mail? <<

* Demographics
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Not2far.com - 3,530
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Change from last month +3,372 visitors/230 subscribers

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