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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 18, 2004

>> Inside <<

* Rental Reflections
* Want to Win Free Travelpro Luggage?
* Bending Rules on the Road
* 5 Keys to Getting the Right Rental
* Car Rentals on the Skids
* This Week in Travel
* Flying With the Senator
* No Bed in My 'Destiny'

>> First Off <<

** Rental Reflections
I often wonder why the travel press ignores the car-rental industry, and the only reasonable explanation I've heard so far is that rental cars just aren't as sexy as airplanes. In fact, if autos were to sprout wings, a la "Back to the Future," it's possible that the travel press would be as obsessed with rentals as they are enamored of the aviation industry. This week there are three features to counterbalance that media bias, including one on how to rent the perfect car, an archived article about the car-rental industry's ills, and my write-up on GPS systems for The New York Times. Also, don't miss Charlie Leocha's column about flying with Senator Joe Lieberman, and the Travel Troubleshooter's baffling case of cruising without a bed.

>> Underwritten By <<

** Journeyware.com
The new destination for exceptional luggage, business/tech cases and travel accessories from leading brands like Travelpro, Lewis N. Clark, RoadWired and more. Great prices, fast, free UPS ground shipping on orders of just $50 or more! All with a level of uncompromising, personal service that you might not be used to getting these days (especially if you are a frequent traveler). Enter coupon code ELLIOTT and click "update" at checkout for an additional 10% off any order. Order now.

>> By The Way <<

** Want to Win Free Travelpro Luggage?
It's easy. Just answer our Question of the Week, or submit your hot news tip to us on Elliott's Travel Notes right now and your name will be entered in a drawing for a monthly Travelpro luggage giveaway. No strings attached.

** Question of the Week: Bending Rules on the Road?
When it comes to travel, it seems there are more rules than ever. Want to change your ticket? That'll be extra. Need to use the airport lounge? Get ready to cough up more money. Gotta leave your hotel early? Get ready to whip out your credit card - it's gonna cost you. This week, we want your best stories about how you managed to get around the rules. Did you talk your way out of it? Did you remind the ticket agent of your frequent-flier status? 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.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** 5 Keys to Getting the Right Rental
To most travelers, a rental car is an afterthought - as in, "Oh, will I need a car while I'm there?" at the end of a reservation. And that's unfortunate. True, the auto rental only accounts for 9% of the average corporate travel budget, according to Runzheimer International. But over several trips, that can add up to a lot of money. In an earlier column, I explained how to avoid the most common car rental traps. I also helped you sort through the best and worst car rental companies. Now it's time to determine which rental company to actually do business with. > Details in Power Trip.

** Car Rentals on the Skids
It took a car rental agent almost an hour to process Chelsea Grogan's paperwork for a one-way rental between Orlando and New York. Then the employee couldn't find her vehicle in the airport parking lot. And when the Forest Hills, N.Y., graduate student dropped off the Dodge Intrepid, she discovered a surprise $350 surcharge on her bill. "The customer service department wouldn't return my calls to straighten things out," she said. > Details in Opinion.

>> This Week in Travel <<

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

> Look Out for St. Croix Sewage (1/16)

> Crashed Cars Text Message for Help (1/15)

> Wolff: Tourism Needs Stronger Lobby (1/14)

> Cheapestflights.com: 'Error' (1/13)

> Conflicting Diamonds and Stars (1/12)

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

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Flying With the Senator
I'm sitting on a Northwest Airlines Airbus A319 way in the back, squeezed into row 17. I'm on my way to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, for an editorial meeting of the contributors to my ski and snowboard guidebook, Ski Snowboard America & Canada. Across the aisle is Senator Joe Lieberman, reading through a briefing book. He is squeezed into row 17, too. He is headed to Iowa to continue campaigning in his quest for the presidency of the United States.> Read more in Charlie Leocha's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** No Bed in My 'Destiny'
If you book a cabin with three beds, but only get two, what does your cruise line owe you? That's the question one reader asks after her travel agent promises her a big cabin on her Caribbean cruise. But when she and her family board Carnival's Destiny she discovers no third bed in her room. What's going on? > In Fix My Trip.

>> 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 or visit us online.

** 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.

** 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.

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