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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

June 9, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Take it Away
* Have You Paid for Your Airline Food?
* Aren's First Steps
* Summer Squeeze
* Help! Marriott Stole My Miles

>> First Off <<

** Take it Away
The travel industry likes to take from us - whether it's a ridiculous resort fee, an unjustifiable ticket change charge or an egregious travel agency booking fee. This week I take a look at two cases of the industry taking: Two airlines stealing much-needed legroom from passengers and one hotel chain reclaiming award miles that by all accounts it should have. Ever had to pay an outrageous fee? E-mail me with your story.

>> Underwritten By <<

** EasyTravelAir
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. It all started when Judy Jacobs lost her driver's license, everyone's worst nightmare. She vowed she'd find an easier and safer way to negotiate the security maze. When she could not find it, she made it. Now you can purchase her travel-warrior-tested Security Pouch. Get the online special only $10 at or call 800-282-1469 to order at $14.99 each.

>> By The Way <<

** Have You Paid for Your Airline Food?
Is it worth it? Airlines are getting rid of free food and forcing customers to fork over cash in order to be fed on flights. But is the food any good? What do you think? Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Aren's First Steps
It seems like just yesterday that we were taking the little guy home from the hospital. But time really flies, and last week, Aren took his very first steps. (Next think you know, he'll be asking for the keys to the car.) Of all the milestones in this baby's life, this one is perhaps one of the scariest.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Summer Squeeze
Just as the busy summer travel season took off earlier this month, American Airlines announced it would scrap its roomier economy-class seats on nearly a quarter of its flights serving leisure and vacation markets. Midwest Airlines also said it would rip out its spacious seats on its new "saver" service and replace them with narrower ones. Both airlines are playing catch-up with the competition, which seems intent on squeezing the most passengers into the least amount of space. > Details in Power Trip.

> Loosen the Vise Grip
> Lock Airline Seats in Place
> Wedging in Wide Bodies

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Help! Marriott Stole My Miles
Before he can book a dream vacation for his family using his hard-earned Marriott award points, the hotel chain drops a bomb on him: The miles, it says, aren't his. Now he's 300,000 miles poorer - and very upset. Should Marriott return the points? Or did it make a fair adjustment to his account? Whose miles are they, anyway? > In Fix My Trip.

> Amex Lost My Miles
> Can These Miles Be Saved?
> Read the Contract

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** The Great Alaskan Toursaver
Developed by Alaska travel expert Scott McMurren, it's full of free and 2-for-1 offers on all the state's top activities and attractions: flightseeing, fishing, whale-watching, adventure lodges, train rides, hotels, rental cars and much, much more. Just $99.95 - it's got $25,000 in travel savings. Everything is 2-for-1 or free! Tell them Elliott sent you.

** Cruisemates.com
Cruising is the world's best vacation value! And the best cruise bargains are in CruiseMates' Cruise Bazaar. One-stop Internet shopping for a variety of cruise lines and agents offering cruises around the world. Known for unbiased cruise reviews, feature articles, news and advice, CruiseMates means complete cruise information. Message boards, chat, polls, contests, humor, consumerism, family, single, teen, gay, and first-time cruiser information.

** Travelhunters.com
If you like to find great travel bargains, you've got to check out TravelHunters.com - the bargain travel community. The site was created by two brothers from Minnesota who love to help people find the best travel bargains. You'll find numerous hot deals for vacations and cruises, bargain travel articles, travel resources, and a comprehensive travel message board. Be sure to sign up for the free monthly newsletter - the Travel Hunters News - dedicated to helping people find amazing deals.

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

* Demographics
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* Last month's total unique visitors
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Triprights.com - 7,820
Total E3 Network visitors - 77,506
Change from last month +12,311 visitors/580 subscribers

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