• 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.

ELLIOTT'S E-MAIL
http://www.elliott.org

September 22, 2003

>> Inside <<

* None of Your Business
* Worried About Privacy?
* E-mail Snafu - Please Resend
* October is Pledge Month
* Flying the Unfriendly Skies
* Getting Serious About CAPPS II
* Fire Your Travel Agent
* Torched by JetBlue
* Site of the Week: Nationmaster.com

>> First Off <<

** None of Your Business
CAPPS II allegedly does it. The American government wants the Europeans to do it. JetBlue has already done it. The offense? Using private data in order to improve airline security. This week we share two perspectives on this sensitive subject, first in an archived Charlie Leocha column about the controversial CAPPS II program, then in JetBlue's mea culpa memo about handing over personal information about passengers to a defense contractor. Don't forget to weigh in with your thoughts about this hot topic in our question of the week.

>> Underwritten By <<

** International Living
Own an exotic beachfront getaway for $35,000. Or a romantic pied-a-terre for under $60,000. Enjoy fine restaurant dining for $7 per person. Employ a maid or gardener for $2 a day. Buy comprehensive health insurance for $20 per month. Get the details in your FREE report now.

>> By The Way <<

** Worried About Privacy?
This week's news that JetBlue gave away passenger data has sent shockwaves throughout the travel industry. But how about you? Do you think it's acceptable to give up some of your privacy for better airline safety? Did JetBlue go too far? Do you think other airlines have quietly done the same thing? Send us an e-mail and include your full name, city, and what you do for a living.

** E-mail Snafu - Please Resend
If you've tried to send a note to Elliott's E-Mail during the last month, you may have not received the quick response you're accustomed to. That's because our e-mail servers decided to wait until I was out of the country to melt down. Lucky me. Which is a roundabout way of saying that if you've sent me a message during the last four weeks but haven't heard back, please resend your e-mail. Your first message may have gotten lost in cyberspace. > Shoot your comments and criticism over, please.

** October is Pledge Month
Yes, that's right - our biannual pledge drive is just around the corner. But don't despair. We promise to keep the pitches to a minimum and the premiums to the maximum during our fall fundraiser. It all starts in October and ends when we reach our modest goal of $3.2 billion (hey, if the airlines can get that from the government, why can't we?). > Click here for details on how to support this newsletter and site.

>> Elliott's Commentary <<

** Flying the Unfriendly Skies
Remember when air travel was an elegant experience that passengers dressed up for? When meals were served on china with real silverware? And doting flight attendants pinned honorary plastic wings on the lapels of wide-eyed youngsters? I do, because I was one of those kids. I was charmed by crew members who made me feel like I was sitting in first class, even though I had a seat in economy. And, of course, I wanted to grow up to be a pilot. Every boy who was lucky enough to fly in those days wanted to be a pilot, especially after a visit to the cockpit. Those days are over. > Details in Destinations.

>> Ticked.com Talk <<

** Getting Serious About CAPPS II
With the coming end of the war in Iraq, attention will return to the war on terrorism here at home. One of the most controversial facets is the new airline security passenger database, known as CAPPS II. It is being tested right now. Is it an invasion of our privacy? We need to get out of the technological Dark Ages and get serious about protecting ourselves from those who would do us harm. The CAPPS II "airline prescreening" is the beginning of an integrated national database. > Read more in Charles Leocha's archived column.

>> Triprights.com Ticker <<

** Fire Your Travel Agent
She books a trip to Las Vegas for her parents' 57th wedding anniversary. But when her father falls ill, the trip cancellation policy her travel agent sold her won't cover the airline tickets. Can she get her money back? And whose fault is it that the insurance was no good? Find out. > In Fix My Trip.

** Torched by JetBlue
JetBlue Airways recently admitted to releasing 5 million passenger records to a Defense Department contractor, which used the information to tag high-risk travelers. Why did it give out the data? David Neeleman, the carrier's CEO, tries to answer that question. > In Memo of the Week.

>> Site of the Week <<

** Nationmaster.com
This site is a massive central data source and a handy way to graphically compare nations. You can generate maps and graphs with ease on all kinds of statistics (over 600 different types). Select exactly which countries you want to include in your reports, a key benefit when researching countries on a multi-leg trip. It's got everything about any country in the world that you want to know, from population, size, ethnic makeup, religions and military strength to Prozac use.

> Site of the Week is brought to you by JohnnyJet.

>> Also Underwritten By <<

** Plane Quiet
Plane Quiet active noise canceling headsets provides full-spectrum noise cancellation at an affordable price. Its revolutionary new product has been rated "Best Consumer Value" for travelers, and works with all airline entertainment systems, DVD players, mp3 players and laptop computers. Lightweight and foldable, Plane Quiet is your perfect choice for travel. It offers a 60 day money-back guarantee. Get an additional 10% off when you enter ELLIOTT in the coupon code.

** Firstclassflyer.com
Fly first class for the price of coach. Looking for free and purchased upgrades, 2-for-1s 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. Secrets of first class air travel are revealed to you every month in "Mr. Upgrade's" newsletter. View a free sample here.

>> Who's Reading Elliott's E-Mail? <<

* Demographics
* Average newsletter circulation - 15,270
* Last month's total unique visitors
Elliott.org - 40,139
Ticked.com - 26,939
Triprights.com - 12,331
Not2far.com - 3,530
Total E3 Network visitors - 82,939
Change from last month +3,372 visitors/230 subscribers

>> Talk To Us <<

Read something you disagree with? Got a story idea or a gripe? Here's how to reach Elliott.

Phone (305) 453-4781 or e-mail

(Please note: Unless you specify otherwise, all e-mails, letters and phone conversations are considered "on the record." That means your name could be used in a future article.)

>> Become an Underwriter <<

This site relies on support from travelers like you. If you care about journalism that's uncompromising, cutting-edge and consumer-focused, then you're invited to become a member of elliott.org. Your contribution will help keep us operating.

>> Please Forward Elliott's E-Mail <<

Did you know the average reader forwards Elliott's E-Mail to two other people every week? We don't mind at all, but you could always save yourself the trouble by inviting them to subscribe. It's easy and it's free: just send an e-mail to this address.

>> Credits and Subscription Information <<

Elliott's E-Mail is published 50 times a year by http://www.elliott.org. (c) 2003 Elliott Publishing.

To unsubscribe, please open your Web browser and click on this address.