Welcome to the new and improved version of my biweekly newsletter.
I‘m very excited to introduce our latest project, a family travel website called Away is Home. We’re planning to spend the next year traveling around the country, and we want you to join us! Please sign up for Away is Home’s RSS feed, follow Away is Home on Twitter or on Foursquare and “like” the Away is Home page on Facebook. You’ll have a front-row seat to the adventure.
In this week’s issue, check out my Washington Post column with the ending everyone hates. Also, did Alaska Airlines overcompensate this passenger? And find out how the debt crisis could improve customer service.
Please visit our underwriter, Florida Vacation Auction, where you can save up to 80 percent off retail on resorts, hotels and attractions in the auction and 20 to 30 percent via Buy Direct. No cost to use unless you win or buy. Register using promo code “ChrisElliott 2011″ to get a $25 credit towards a winning auction. Details here.
Travel posts
Should we avoid screening — or embrace it?
Full-body scan or pat-down? It’s a choice that hundreds of thousands of air travelers will make for the first time this summer.
Is this too much compensation? “This was some of worst service I’ve received in years”
Nathan Segal was certain his Alaska Airlines flight from San Jose del Cabo to Victoria, B.C., Canada, didn’t make a stop. He’d double-checked the itinerary when he booked it. The email said it was a “direct” flight.
Can this trip be saved? I paid for the ticket — where’s my credit?
One of the things travelers love about an airline like Southwest is that it goes against the grain. When other airlines charge baggage fees, it doesn’t. When they impose change fees, it doesn’t. When they have assigned seats, Southwest refuses.
Introducing the adventure of a lifetime: Away is Home
We’re about to go on an adventure of a lifetime, and we want you to join us.
Please visit our underwriter, FirstClassFlyer.com — Which helps you fly first class for the price of coach. Get more information.
Customer service posts
Simple Ways to Make Customers Happier
All those Facebook and Twitter pages and call centers are useless if you don’t take these simple actions.
3 New, Annoying Ways to Ignore Customer Complaints
When Netflix instituted its price hike, it set up a creative, and very irritating, strategy to deflect customer complaints. Let’s hope it doesn’t catch on.
Why the Debt Crisis Could Improve Customer Service
A government default would wreak havoc on the economy, but past experience suggests it could have the silver lining of improving service.
Also
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Our underwriters
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Travel Insurance Review — Where you can get articles, reviews, and guides to help you find an insurance policy that will fit your individual travel needs. You can buy directly or use its comparison site to find a trusted and reputable travel insurance provider. Get more information.
Travel Insurance Services, which has been protecting travelers since 1973 by providing coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, baggage insurance, and more. Choose the right option for your next trip. Visit Travel Insurance Services.
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