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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

January 11, 2004

>> Inside <<

* Is Code-Orange a Lemon?
* Travel Taboos?
* 'Interview' Feature Launches
* Safe - and Sorry
* TSA: Security is 'Everybody's Business'
* Elliott Talks Code Orange on 'Savvy'
* This Week in Travel
* Old Tricks Won't Work
* Nude-Only Screening
* A 'Ghost' Reservation on Spirit

>> First Off <<

** Is Code-Orange a Lemon?
There are more questions than answers about the latest code-orange alert and how it will continue to affect travelers. To get more information, we turned to Mark Hatfield of the Transportation Security Administration (more on that Q&A interview in this week's newsletter). Terry Riley weighs in on screening with an archived commentary about the practical side of nudity. That's right, nudity. Also, catch my interview on public radio's "The Savvy Traveler" about our antiterrorism efforts and see my commentary on the government's code-orange strategy.

>> Underwritten By <<

** Cheapflights.com
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>> By The Way <<

** Travel Taboos?
What do travelers never talk about? The weight they gain when they're on the road? How they steal from the minibar? The affairs? This week, tell us about the dangerous - and taboo - things you do when you're away. If you dare. Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** 'Interview' Feature Launches
Starting this issue, we'll begin publishing regular interviews with the week's leading travel newsmakers. When I write a commentary on a timely topic, the folks who are criticized often ask for an opportunity for a rebuttal. Interview is that, and more. It's a chance to have your questions answered by executives, officials and people in the news. It's a platform for the other side of the story. Hopefully, it's also the counterpoint that will add some perspective to the opinions you read here. (If you have a suggestion for an interview subject, please send us a note.)

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Safe - and Sorry
It isn't the machine-gun toting National Guardsmen posted at the airport or the code-orange terrorism warnings that unnerve air travelers like Mort Herman. Instead, it's a sense that all the precautions are little more than posturing, and that if a sequel to 9/11 were to actually happen, they'd be completely useless. Many Americans quietly concur. The latest terrorism threats are forcing some travelers to rethink their plans and threaten to stall an already fragile travel industry recovery. > Details in Opinion.

** TSA: Security is 'Everybody's Business'
If you're confused about the new code-orange security precautions at the airport, you're in good company. Air travelers have wondered about the delays, cancellations and what it means to their next trip. I asked Mark Hatfield, director of communications for the Transportation Security Administration, to help sort things out. > Details in Interview.

** Elliott Talks Code Orange on 'Savvy'
Hear Elliott discuss last month's "code orange" security alerts on public radio's 'The Savvy Traveler'.

>> This Week in Travel <<

News, opinion and analysis from Elliott's Travel Notes blog.

> US Airways Attendants Sue Airline (1/9)

> U.S. Wants Passengers Toilet-Trained (1/8)

> Washington Bans Cell-Phone Drivers (1/7)

> Cruise Lines Look for January 'Wave' (1/6)

> Southwest Stars in TV Reality Show (1/5)

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

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Old Tricks Won't Work
The machinations of the major airlines as they find themselves facing escalating competition from Southwest, JetBlue, AirTran and Frontier on their bread and butter routes is disheartening. Once again, the majors are continuing to offer below cost airfares, mileage goodies and free flights to entice passengers to stick with the old-line carriers. Triple-mile deals here and a buy-two-fly-free here used to work, but not any more. In the old days, upstarts were easy to swat down. Today, they're making a consistent profit.> Read more in Charlie Leocha's column.

** Nude-Only Screening
As a part of a "nude week" package to Mexico, Castaways Travel is organizing "the first ever nude airline flight." Come this spring, "taking-off" will have a whole 'nother meaning for the 170 passengers on a Cancun-bound, chartered 727. Soon after lift-off from Miami International, these vacationers will not only be loosening their seat belts but just about everything else they have wrapped around them as well. Memo to the TSA: Maybe we should screen people in the nude, too? > Read more in an archived Err Travel.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** A 'Ghost' Reservation on Spirit
What if you book a flight online and your credit-card company bills you for it, but you never get a ticket? That's what happens to a traveler who buys a ticket for her daughter on Spirit Airlines. Her credit card charges her, but Spirit has no record of the transaction. Find out what happens when she discovers the "ghost" reservation and learn what you can do to prevent the same thing from happening the next time you book an airline ticket online. > In Fix My Trip.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** Outsidetheboxgroup.com
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** 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.

** 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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