• What's elliott?
• About elliott
• Contact us

t o p i c s

• Business
• Commentary
• Destinations
• Help
• Leisure
• Technology
• Vault

Copyright Elliott Publishing. All rights reserved. For more information, call (305) 453-4781 or send e-mail to us.

E L L I O T T' S TRAVEL NOTES
Travel news, opinion and analysis

March 30, 2004

Old Cruise Laws Could Be Lifted
It would seem to be a natural: Cruise ships sailing up and down the scenic California coast, stopping at ports along the way. But federal law stands in the way. Under the Passenger Services Act of 1886, only U.S.-flagged cruise ships may transport passengers between domestic ports. Ships registered in foreign countries are not allowed to make consecutive stops in U.S. ports. There currently are no U.S.-registered cruise ships operating. "It's a law that serves no purpose," said Harry "Happy Hare" Martin, a San Diego radio personality who cruises twice a year and has been an outspoken opponent of the law. "Cities like San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco are losing tens of millions of dollars each year because of this law." San Antonio Express News | Posted 6 a.m.
-- San Diego Union-Tribune: Look out for "rising tide"
<-- Business Standard: India may lift cabotage laws

• The laws preventing multiple stops are antiquated. Lifting them would be good for passengers, probably good for the cruise lines, and just plain fairer for everyone. Send us your comments.

Co-Pilot Arrested For Drunk Flying
An Aloha Airlines co-pilot was arrested last weekend for allegedly being intoxicated as he prepared to fly from California to Hawaii, the carrier said Monday. The pilot was arrested by police in Oakland and cited with "intent to operate an aircraft while under the influence," Aloha said. He was detained by police Saturday morning after an airport screener smelled alcohol as the pilot passed through a security checkpoint, according to KHON-TV. The pilot had a blood-alcohol level of .182, Federal Aviation Administration officials told KHON. The airline would not release the man's name. According to the FAA, no pilot may operate an aircraft with a blood alcohol level of .04 or greater. Also, pilots are banned from drinking eight hours before a flight. AP | Posted 6:20 a.m.
-- IOL: Tough new alcohol limits for UK air crews

Poll: Biz Travelers Want to Save Money
Orbitz announced the results of a national survey that reveals the majority of business travelers are equally or more cost-conscious when it comes to saving their company money in 2004. According to poll conducted online by Harris Interactive, 83% of business travelers feel "more" obligated to save their company money when traveling for business this year. The survey also found that business travelers prefer to go online to book their travel almost 2 to 1 versus using a traditional corporate travel agency. Less than one in ten (8%) would use leisure travel agents for their business travel needs. Internet Travel News | Posted 6:30 a.m.

-----------------------------------

• And finally ... a little cause and effect that kinda made me laugh this morning. Our old friend Tom Parsons sent out a press release yesterday about the latest round of airline fuel surcharges being lifted. And would you believe, a news outlet actually picked it up? Hmm, I ought to try that some time. Posted 6:40 a.m. | Send us your comments.

>> Yesterday's Notes | Tomorrow's Notes <<

E-mail Elliott | Other bloggers | About this blog

Latest Travel Notes | Complete Archives