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E L L I O T T' S TRAVEL NOTES
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December 19, 2003

Lowest Prices on Priceline — A new study by Consumer Reports of so-called "opaque" travel sites (it calls them "blind" sites) finds that Priceline scores the cheapest air fares and rental cars, while Hotwire is the place to turn for the lowest hotel rates. But, the report warns, "a blind site can provide the lowest rates only about half the time. So never use a blind site without first comparison-shopping elsewhere." That's good advice — something I've been saying for a while. > Delta's SkyMiles switcheroo: Beginning Jan. 1, SkyMiles Medallion members will receive unlimited, complimentary upgrades when buying most published fares. In addition, Medallion members will be able to process upgrades automatically and upgrade a travel companion. Delta also revised its frequent-flier program yet again. "I'm not even remotely moved by their game attempt to make changes," responds Delta frequent flier Jordan Bressler. "The damage is done." (Speaking of damage ... note to Orbitz shareholders: Your stock lost almost 2 percent yesterday.)

December 18, 2003

Ruff! Ruff! — Orbitz debuted on Wall Street yesterday, and anyone reading this blog probably won't be surprised at what happened. The company's stock closed at $24.98, down 4 percent from its initial price of $26. When I covered initial public offerings as a cub reporter, having a stock close below its offering price was never a good sign (I mean, do the math: the investors who signed up for Orbitz stock lost $1.02 per share). Although I personally believe Orbitz offers exceptional customer service for an online agency, I can't overlook the fact that Wall Street is wary of this stock. Did it go public too soon? Probably. > Word to Orbitz' new shareholders: sell!

December 17, 2003

A Fun Corporate Citizen — I've singled out Southwest Airlines in this blog for its outstanding corporate citizenship (although pre-assigned seating would always be nice, too). I'd be negligent if I didn't also mention Carnival Cruise Lines' recent efforts to spread some holiday cheer. The Freeport News reports Carnival helped distribute holiday presents to dozens of primary school kids as part of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association holiday gift distribution program. It's nice to see a cruise line giving back to the community. > And speaking of giving back: The idea behind Butterflymall is that instead of your Web site pocketing a referral fee for your purchase, you do. You can earn up to 40 percent cash back on transaction (including up to $15 back from Travelocity). I like that.

December 16, 2003

Full Pay to the Last Day — No, I couldn't let a week go by without mentioning US Airways. I wonder how many times CEO David Siegel will hear the phrase "full pay to the last day" when he meets with hundreds of company managers today to stress the need for as much as $300 million in cost cuts? "Full pay" is shorthand for workers digging in their heels and saying "no" to further concessions. Whatever happens to this sputtering high-cost carrier, it's hard to envision a scenario under which customers will benefit. > It's about time ... JFK airport's AirTrain, which offers free transportation between JFK's passenger terminals and car rental lots, debuts this week. About 40 years late.

December 15, 2003

How Badly Do You Hate Air Travel? — If you're as averse to flying as sportscaster John Madden, maybe you should consider the bus. Not just any bus, as a recent profile explains. Madden's land yacht costs about $450 a day plus fuel, maintenance, insurance and driver salaries, to operate. (Hmmm, I wonder if it's too late for me to switch to TV?) On some trips, the bus ride is described as a "rolling party." Now, when's the last time anyone used the word "party" to describe a flight? > Bloggin on: Please welcome Kevin Mitchell to the world of travel blogging. The Business Travel Coalition founder's Web log debuts Dec. 17.

Note: This Web log represents my personal views at the time of their writing. My views are subject to change without notice. Further, I can't vouch for the accuracy or integrity of links to source information.

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