• What's elliott?
• About elliott
• Contact us

t o p i c s

• Business
• Commentary
• Destinations
• Help
• Leisure
• Technology
• Vault

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 21, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Happy Holidays
* Traveling With the Boss?
* Mile-High Madness
* Slaves and Convicts
* Lost Luggage on British Airways
* Spaced Out at Epcot

>> First Off <<

** Happy Holidays
Season's greetings and best wishes for a prosperous 2004 from our staff at Elliott's E-Mail - Aren, Kari, Max and Christopher. (The next issue of this newsletter will transmit on Jan. 4 and the Travel Notes blog will be updated Dec. 29.)

>> Underwritten By <<

** FirstClassFlyer.com
Fly first class for less than what others pay for coach? Looking for free and purchased upgrades, 2-for-1s, advanced ticketing techniques, 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. Download a free sample issue here.

>> By The Way <<

** Traveling With the Boss?
Travel is stressful enough when you have to do it alone. But what if the boss comes along as well? This week, we want your stories of traveling with your supervisor - plus your ideas on how to do it (without getting yourself fired). Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Mile-High Madness
Ed Barrett is tired of airline employees who act "as if they are doing you a favor by acknowledging my existence." But the software technician from Pratt, Kan., is equally exasperated by inconsiderate passengers. "They're rude to flight attendants," he says. "They act as if all the post-Sept. 11 inconveniences are their fault." A new poll by the nonpartisan opinion organization Public Agenda suggests his weariness is widespread. The research, released just as the final leg of the stressful holiday travel season gets underway, finds that nearly one third of passengers believe rudeness is a serious problem. More than half of all travel employees say passenger impoliteness is the top source of on-the-job tension. Have travelers lost their manners? > In Opinion.

> How badly do you hate air travel? Plus, what just came to JFK ... 40 years late? It's all on Elliott's Travel Notes.

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

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Slaves and Convicts
Let's not fault passengers for trying to find ways to maximize their comfort. The proper place for blame lies with the airlines that sacrifice passenger comfort. Today, when traveling by air in coach we are not even seated as humanely as convicts being transported to Australia and slaves rowing ancient man-of-wars when we take simple measurements into account. At least the slaves and convicts got 36 inches of leg room. > Read more in Charlie Leocha's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Lost Luggage on British Airways
What happens when an airline misplaces your check-in bag and you can't make a claim - because of language barriers, distance, or because the receipts for the clothes you bought are halfway around the world? That's the problem of one British Airways passenger who is out $178.18 for clothes. The airline won't respond to her repeated requests for help. What to do? > In Fix My Trip.

>> Destination of the Week <<

** Spaced Out at Epcot
In "Mission: Space," Walt Disney World's newest thrill-ride, the raw force of a rollercoaster is replaced by the choreographed spins of a custom-built centrifuge. If your memories of space-themed attractions in Mouse Country consist of being jerked from side to side, jolted and jostled inside a pitch-black enclosure a la "Space Mountain," you'll probably breathe a sigh of relief. But don't get too comfy, Space Rangers. > Read the whole story on Not2far.com.

>> Also 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.

** EasyTravelAir
The must-have travel accessory If you've fumbled with your ID while taking off your shoes and coat, emptying your pockets, and removing your computer, you'll find getting through airport security a lot simpler and less stressful with the Security Pouch. Purchase the travel-warrior-tested Security Pouch online special only $10 or call (800) 282-1469 to order at $14.99 each. Order now.

** 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.

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

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 17,423
* Last month's total unique visitors
Elliott.org - 48,960
Ticked.com - 21,700
Triprights.com - 9,316
Not2far.com - 1,921
Total E3 Network visitors - 81,897

>> Talk To Us <<

Read something you disagree with? Got a story idea or a gripe? Here's how to reach Elliott.

Phone (305) 453-4781 or e-mail

(Please note: Unless you specify otherwise, all e-mails, letters and phone conversations are considered "on the record." That means your name could be used in a future article.)

>> Become an Underwriter <<

This site relies on support from travelers like you. If you care about journalism that's uncompromising, cutting-edge and consumer-focused, then you're invited to become a member of elliott.org. Your contribution will help keep us operating.

>> Please Forward Elliott's E-Mail <<

Did you know the average reader forwards Elliott's E-Mail to two other people every week? We don't mind at all, but you could always save yourself the trouble by inviting them to subscribe. It's easy and it's free: just send an e-mail to this address with the word "subscribe" in the message header.

>> Credits and Subscription Information <<

Elliott's E-Mail is published 50 times a year by http://www.elliott.org. (c) 2003 Elliott Publishing.

To unsubscribe, please open your Web browser and click on this address.