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http://www.elliott.org

February 17, 2003

>> Inside <<

* It's War!
* Can't Tell the Difference?
* Come On, Become an Underwriter
* War? We're Traveling Anyway
* A Cure For Travel Fatigue
* Airfare Terrorism
* The State of the Gate
* A Mandatory Orbitz Ticket Fee?
* If We Go to War

>> First Off <<

** It's War!
The war-themed issue of this newsletter was as inevitable as, well, the war itself. The posturing at the U.N. seems little more than a formality, if all the right-wing radio talkshow hosts are to be believed (not that I listen to them, except maybe for entertainment purposes). But I digress. This week, we're setting our sights on war - how it will affect travel, what we should do if there's a war, and more important, what we shouldn't do. Plus, in the category of "I Told You So," I've included a commentary on the last war and how the administration tried unsuccessfully to revive the travel industry. I hate it when I'm right.

>> Underwritten By <<

** TheTravelzine
Travel columnists from Sydney to Seattle are touting TheTravelzine as the top group for travel discussion. A wonderful source of information and friendship, TheTravelzine is part of the very popular non-commercial travelogue's Web site. Click here to sign up for the group.

>> By The Way <<

** Can't Tell the Difference?
Are you a tourist ... or a traveler? This week, we're looking for the telltale signs that someone doesn't know anything about traveling (that overpacked suitcase; the wide-eyed expression). How do you travel like a pro? Send us an e-mail and please include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** Come On, Become an Underwriter
Hey folks, this newsletter isn't free! Without you, it can't go on. We removed all the ads last year because you asked for it, but after last week's plea for new underwriters, only one reader stepped forward to help out. Come on - you can do better than that. Support one of the only Web sites dedicated to telling the unvarnished truth about the travel industry.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** War? We're Traveling Anyway
Frequent travelers aren't letting the latest war worries ground them. Most road warriors - a term that is so very appropriate, given the present circumstances - will stay on course because most business trips aren't optional. The Air Transport Association predicts that if war breaks out, international air traffic will fall by at least 10%. However, most of the losses are expected to come from leisure travelers canceling their vacations. > In bCentral's Power Trip.

> It's a Space War on the Plane
> Air Hosts Declare War on Passengers
> Stop Screaming! A New Baby War?

** A Cure For Travel Fatigue
"Americans are asking: 'What is expected of us?'" President Bush says in a new TV ad sponsored by the Travel Industry Association of America. To which a chorus of hotel employees, airline crew members and cruise line staff answer: "We ask you to live your lives. Do your business around the country. Fly and enjoy America's great destinations." But the president and the travel industry may be asking too much of us. Americans aren't just wary of travel; they're sick of it. And it's going to take more than a couple of commercials to get them back. > Details in an archived Opinion article.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Airfare Terrorism
I can't stand it. For years the airlines have been clearly engaging in price-fixing, but our government seems to feel that there is nothing wrong with it. The airlines have been clearly engaged in active predatory pricing, but the government doesn't seem to have an adequate enough definition to prosecute what I see as blatant predatory activities. Now, the Wall Street Journal and my local newspaper, The Boston Globe, both have published major stories that treat airline price fixing and airline-to-airline retribution for "not falling into line" with price "leadership," as business as usual. > Get the details in Cheap Charlie.

> Riley's Rules on What to Leave Home Without
> Spring Broke: Watch for War Surcharges
> Is Your Trip Covered if There's a War?

** The State of the Gate
I've made a few passes through security recently, including in the past few days since the heightened "orange" security status was declared, and find the new security measures and staff to be settling into place better than anyone could have anticipated. Now that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has taken over security in toto and all checked bags are being screened for explosives, let's take a look a look at what you'll face at the airport in 2003. > Read more in Ed Hewitt's column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** A Mandatory Orbitz Ticket Fee?
He booked a ticket to Hawaii on Orbitz, but just as he was getting ready to pay, a window popped up telling him he needed a paper ticket. Not to worry, the site reassured him - the fee would cover the costs of sending him the ticket by express mail. But when they arrive by regular mail, who pockets the profit? > In Fix My Trip.

** If We Go to War
For years, you've managed to deal with the usual uncertainties in travel planning-illness, accidents, sudden changes in business plans, and such, through some combination of travel insurance and careful buying. But this year you face a whole new layer of uncertainties-especially a possible war with attendant increased threat of terrorism-that aren't covered by the more traditional ways we've been protecting our money. Much of my recent e-mail from travelers deals with the possible impact of a war, and here are some suggestions I hope will help. > In Ed Perkins' column.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** M-Travel
The stock markets are down. The luster is off the dot-coms. But the application of mobile technology in the travel industry is alive and well. Although still in its infancy, mobile travel sales and services will be the biggest thing in wireless commerce. Visit the only Web site devoted exclusively to mobile communications and travel technology.

** JohnnyJet.com
Ever wish there were one site that listed every possible link to other travel-related Web sites? Johnny Jet.com does just that, and more. The site has links to practically everything you need to know that's travel-related. The site has been featured in over 100 major publications including: USA Today, Time, Fortune, New York Times, CNBC, MSNBC, and has been named "One of the top best money-saving Web sites for travel" by Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel Magazine. Sign up for Johnny Jet's free newsletter that has the week's travel news, tips, webcams, Web sites, and "where's Johnny Jet."

** EasyTravelAir.com
The must-have travel accessory to get through the post-9/11 airport is the EasyTravelAir Security Pouch. The hands-free pouch lets you display your ID and boarding pass and keeps your credit card, passport and other travel essentials safe and secure. Call (800) 282-1469.

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