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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

December 14, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Staying Focused
* Mileage Redemption Troubles?
* Tune In
* No Time Like Now to Support Us
* Taking Off - Minus the Stress
* I Don't Get 'Song'
* A Virgin Delay
* US Airways Drops Expedia

>> First Off <<

** Staying Focused
Of the many e-mails and phone calls I've received during the last two weeks, the ones that have inspired me the most are the ones that tell me to keep going. Not to give up. In all the recent turmoil, it's been so easy to lose sight of what this newsletter and Web site is all about. It's about you. If the high-cost airlines and high-priced hotel chains were taking care of you, then you wouldn't need me to solve your travel problems. But that's not the way it is. And until it changes, I'll be here for you.

>> Underwritten By <<

** Cheapflights.com
The NEW home of cheap airline tickets! Compare all the hot deals from airlines - including JetBlue and Southwest - from travel agents, discounters and specialists. We are independent and do not sell tickets ourselves. This unique Web site helps you shop around for the best deals FAST (no more than three clicks to the deals). We also have a cool, four-in-one online booking tool so you can search Orbitz, Hotwire, Travelocity and Qixo without having to re-enter your dates. Try it now.

>> By The Way <<

** Mileage Redemption Troubles?
This week, we want your war stories about trying to redeem frequent flier miles. Have you ever been foiled by restrictions, blackout dates, or other red tape? (OK, we know you have). Tell us your most memorable story - and how you finally solved your redemption nightmare. Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Tune In
Catch Elliott on Thursday, Dec. 18 and 9 a.m. Central time when he tackles the subject of reliable travel news on The Rob Sherman Show. It's live on AM 1530 WJJG in Chicago. Elliott is also a weekly guest on Talkin' Travel (Wednesdays at 11:15 a.m. on WTMY am 1280 in Sarasota, Fla.) and Scott McMurren's travel show, Saturdays at 9 a.m. Pacific time on KFQD radio in Anchorage. And, of course, tune in to your favorite NPR affiliate for Elliott's travel commentaries. Details on times and shows appear regularly on this newsletter.

** No Time Like Now to Support Us
Many of you have expressed rage at the recent series of events affecting this newsletter. You've asked: What can I do? Now more than ever, I'm counting on you - the readers of this newsletter - for support. The content on this site is free. There are no annoying pop-ups, no irritating banner ads. I don't heel obediently to the commands of my advertisers (I don't have any direct advertisers). So if you care about honest, original and consumer-focused travel journalism, become an underwriter now. > Get the details here.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Taking Off - Minus the Stress
Flying can be a nerve-racking experience, with its intrusive security screenings, cranky crew members, and antagonistic passengers. Never mind those queasy feelings you may get during takeoffs and landings and when there's turbulence in the air. The relaxation industry - the folks who sell yoga tapes, aromatherapy kits and other de-stressing remedies - would have us believe that air travel can be less fraught with tension if we'd just purchase one of their products. You see them at the airport, offering quickie massages, herbal supplements and "how-to" books. Yeah, right. > Details in Power Trip.

> Should the government rate hotels? Plus, why America West shouldn't stop at traytable advertising. It's all on Elliott's Travel Notes.

> This week's blog entry can be found here.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** I Don't Get 'Song'
Let's see. Delta starts a new low-fare airline within a full-fare airline. In order to make it a success, it changes the name, gives its planes a new paint job, serves organic meals and gives its flight attendants an attitude adjustment. Now, after a few months, Delta is declaring victory. Huh? > Read more in Charlie Leocha's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** A Virgin Delay
Ten minutes before his Virgin Atlantic flight from Miami to London is supposed to take off, he's told there will be a mechanical delay. Three hours later his flight is canceled. At 11 p.m., he's offered a voucher for a shared van ride home, but the other passengers get meal vouchers and a hotel room for the night. What's worse, the airline won't release his luggage. Now the carrier isn't responding to his letter asking to be compensated for the delay. Is this a case for the travel troubleshooter? > In Fix My Trip.

** US Airways Drops Expedia
US Airways has announced its decision to no longer sell tickets through online agency Expedia. In the following e-mail sent to customers, B. Ben Baldanza, the company's senior VP for marketing and planning, explains why. Expedia responds to the e-mail. (Remember, if you have a letter or memo you'd like us to publish, please e-mail it to us.) > In Memo of the Week.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** EasyTravelAir
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** Noble Vintages
Winery-direct fine wines at 20-30% off. Custom, commemorative and collectible labels with your name, logo or picture. Perfect for weddings, sales events, contests, openings, anniversaries and reunions. Winners of over 100 medals. Free e-mail newsletter. > Order now.

** DreamofItaly.com
Discriminating travelers with a passion for Italy finally have a timely resource for planning their next visit to the land of la dolce vita. Dream of Italy is a new, bi-monthly subscription travel newsletter available by mail or on the Internet. Each issue is packed with the latest news and insiders' advice on Italian travel and culture. For a free sample copy or to subscribe, visit the site or call 877-OF-ITALY (toll-free).

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

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 17,423
* Last month's total unique visitors
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Ticked.com - 21,700
Triprights.com - 9,316
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Total E3 Network visitors - 81,897

>> Talk To Us <<

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