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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

February 22, 2004

>> Inside <<

* Blogging Away
* Question of the Week: Nosy Hotels?
* Power Trip Goes Tech
* Surviving a Trip With the Boss
* Is Your PDA Cleared For Takeoff?
* This Week in Travel
* Travel, Redefined
* Escape from the Garden Gate

>> First Off <<

** Blogging Away
When I started Travel Notes last year, I really only wanted to link to a few interesting stories from time to time - nothing more. I usually spend an hour every morning reviewing the day's news, and the site was just a natural outgrowth of that exercise. But I never expected it would turn into much more. The daily log of consumer news today is read by travelers, executives and competitors, as I have been learning over the last few weeks. And it's become a valuable resource to people who want to know what's really happening in the travel industry, from a source that hasn't been corrupted by on overbearing advertising department. So, I guess it's as much your blog now as it is mine. Find out why.

>> 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.

>> By The Way <<

** Question of the Week: Nosy Hotels?
Have you ever checked into a hotel and felt as if they knew too much about you? They delivered the newspaper you liked to read, booked you in the kind of room you preferred and even knew what you wanted for breakfast. But is that all? This week, we want to know if you've ever felt as if your last hotel visit wasn't … completely private. Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living. > Remember, your story could mean free luggage.

** Power Trip Goes Tech
Careful readers of this newsletter have already noticed that the Power Trip column has started leaning toward more technology topics lately. In a few weeks, that shift becomes official when the weekly feature takes on a new mission: to cover mobile technology for travelers and small-business owners. It's an exciting new directive, and I look forward to sharing the latest in travel tech with all of you.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Surviving a Trip With the Boss
Leo Bringer remembers his flight with the know-it-all boss. It was mercifully short. He and another co-worker were sitting in economy class - three across with their boss in a nearby seat - waiting to take off. "He knew everything you could think of," remembers Bringer, an Elmhurst, Ill., human resources manager. "He was telling us how far it was to the airport from our hotel and what was there to do at our destination." So when a crew member asked for volunteers to take the next flight, guess who raised their hands at virtually the same time? Bringer and his colleague. > Details in Power Trip.

** Is Your PDA Cleared For Takeoff?
On a recent flight from Newark, N.J., to Orlando, Mike Corbo decided to check his e-mail. But instead of plugging into a $3.99-a-minute in-flight phone, he powered up his Palm VII and downloaded the messages wirelessly, at 35,000 feet. "I found that as long as we were flying over a major city I would easily connect and send or receive email without a problem," says the Lyndhurst, N.J., information systems manager. No one tried to stop Corbo because what he did is perfectly legal. The Federal Aviation Administration doesn't ban the onboard use of a personal digital assistant - even one that can connect to the Internet through a cellular network - according to agency spokesman Paul Takemoto. "He isn't violating any rule," he says. > Details in an archived Travel Technologist.

>> This Week in Travel <<

News, opinion and analysis from Elliott's Travel Notes is underwritten by TravelHunters.com - hunting down the best travel bargains on the planet.

> Travelers With Banned Items Fined (2/20)

> Some Air Travelers 'Really Get Hosed' (2/19)

> Welcome Aboard, Mr. Bin Laden (2/18)

> Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite (2/17)

> United's 'Ted' Takes Off (2/16)

> See archived blog postings at or catch up on today's news.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Travel, Redefined
As in many businesses, over the years the airlines have developed unique meanings for many commonly used terms. This often leads to bewilderment of passengers simply wanting to get from one point to another without having to learn a whole new set of definitions. So as an Err Travel service to those of you who may have some confusion about air travel terms, I offer the following definitions. > In an archived Err Travel.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Escape from the Garden Gate
When your romantic weekend in Hawaii turns into a bad episode of Fawlty Towers, what does your innkeeper owe you? That's what one disgruntled hotel guest wonders after her rental car reservation is mishandled, the air conditioner in her room breaks down, and the proprietors are rude to her. Should she check into another hotel and send Basil Fawlty the bill? And if she does, is she entitled to a refund? > In Fix My Trip.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** Journeyware.com
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** Outsidetheboxgroup.com
The new SearchAlert re-settable combination padlock from Outside The Box offers unique innovations in luggage security. SearchAlert may be opened with an override device controlled by Transportation Security Administration agents. No SearchAlert lock should be cut off by TSA agents. In fact, we offer a free replacement if it's ever cut off. SearchAlert features a Security Window which changes color from Green to Red when any override device is used. $9.99 each or two for $17.98 Available exclusively online. Enter coupon code: ELLIOTT for 10% off your entire order.

** 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.

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