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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

September 29, 2003

>> Inside <<

* Blogging On
* Mobile Office 'No-Nos'?
* Help!
* Plane Food Worth Paying For
* Elliott on 'Savvy Traveler'
* Bravo, JetBlue
* ATA's Mileage Mishap
* Site of the Week: Bringyourpet.com

>> First Off <<

** Blogging On
I can't keep a secret. For the better part of the last month, I've been running a daily Web log. After first writing about the blogging phenomenon in a USA Weekend magazine essay - and helping my son, Aren, start his own photo-blog - I just couldn't restrain myself. So if you're interested in the story behind the stories you read on this Web site, the latest travel-related rumors and gossip, plus my comments on the week's travel news, I invite you to drop by for a visit. The project is called Elliott's Travel Notes and you can find all the details here.

>> Underwritten By <<

** Award Traveler
Award Traveler buys and sells transferable frequent flier mileage awards and upgrade certificates. We are a broker between frequent fliers who choose cash rather than miles and air travelers who want first- and business-class service at a reasonable price. > Please visit our site.

>> By The Way <<

** Mobile Office 'No-Nos'?
If you travel with a laptop, cell phone or pager in tow, listen up. What do you consider the worst-ever mistake a traveler can make with regards to a mobile office? (And we're not just talking about passengers who fire up their cell phones as their planes are landing, either.) Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Help!
We need YOU to become an underwriter of Elliott's E-Mail in October. Why? Well, if you've ever been helped by the Travel Troubleshooter, we think that's a pretty good reason (unlike other consumer advocates, I don't get paid by travelers for solving the cases). If you've read something that helped you save money on a trip, or helped you have a better journey - or maybe just made you laugh - then you should also consider making a generous pledge. Still not convinced? Then wait until next week, when we introduce our premiums for the October fundraiser. I promise you won't be disappointed. > Click here for details on supporting this site.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Plane Food Worth Paying For
Should you bring your own meal on your next airline trip - or buy it on the plane? Free food on shorter flights is gone. The major carriers eliminated their air fare in a recent cost-cutting effort, and not a moment too soon. Few people liked the in-flight meals to begin with. But travelers don't want to go hungry either, at least according to a survey by caterer LSG Sky Chefs. Nearly three out of four passengers want the option of buying meals during the flight if the airline isn't offering a freebie. > Details in Power Trip.

> Hear Elliott talk about travel mistakes on public radio's 'The Savvy Traveler'.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Bravo, JetBlue
The JetBlue privacy violation is a perfect example of the media getting excited about the wrong thing. The only violation that was committed by JetBlue was a possible violation of their own privacy statement which notes, "The financial and personal information collected on this site is not shared with any third parties, and is protected by secure servers." OK. Based on that sentence in the JetBlue privacy statement the high priests of privacy have declared JetBlue a mortal sinner. That is not the case. > Read more in Charles Leocha's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** ATA's Mileage Mishap
When his hard-earned mileage voucher never shows up in his mailbox, a despondent traveler asks ATA to reissue the ticket. No can do, says the carrier, and asks him to recheck his mail. Can't the airline just print another voucher? After a frustrating exchange of e-mails with the airline, the frequent flier asks the Travel Troubleshooter to investigate. > In Fix My Trip.

>> Site of the Week <<

** Bringyourpet.com
A resource for traveling pet-owners in the United States and abroad looking for accommodations. The site offers pet-friendly lodging recommendations in each state (however, hotels pay a $249 a year listing fee to be included).

> Site of the week is brought to you by JohnnyJet.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** International Living
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.

** 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.

** 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. View a free sample here.

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

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 15,270
* Last month's total unique visitors
Elliott.org - 40,139
Ticked.com - 26,939
Triprights.com - 12,331
Not2far.com - 3,530
Total E3 Network visitors - 82,939
Change from last month +3,372 visitors/230 subscribers

>> 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.)

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