Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label People Elliott Christopher. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People Elliott Christopher. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 07, 2014

My 2014 Resolution: Stop the Travel Industry's Customer Service Armageddon | Christopher Elliott

My 2014 Resolution: Stop the Travel Industry's Customer Service Armageddon | Christopher Elliott: "

 Christopher ElliottAuthor, How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler (and Save Time, Money, and Hassle)
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 My 2014 Resolution: Stop the Travel Industry's Customer Service Armageddon
Posted: 01/05/2014" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christopher-elliott/my-2014-resolution-stop-t_b_4545312.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

 When you spend most of your waking hours advocating for consumers, it's easy to lose your sense of perspective. Complaints pour in, often hundreds per day. I can't help but feel like the customer service apocalypse is imminent.
My resolution for 2014 simple: Stop Servicemaggendon by putting what really matters in my consumer advocacy crosshairs and keep the discourse civil and fair.
What matters? Well, from my point of view, it's obvious that we're halfway down a long slide into the customer-service toilet, with only a little pipe to go before we're flushed out to the sewer. How we approach this precipitous decline matters. It requires a clear-headed, well-reasoned and polite discussion -- otherwise the problem could get worse.
Read more: 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/christopher-elliott/my-2014-resolution-stop-t_b_4545312.html?utm_hp_ref=tw

'via Blog this'
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Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Should travelers demand refunds for 'junk fees'?

Should travelers demand refunds for 'junk fees'?: "What if they had to give it all back?

 Christopher Elliott, Special for USA TODAY11:05 a.m. EST December 2, 2013

 Imagine if someone forced airlines, hotels and car rental companies to return every penny they took from you under questionable circumstances. The checked-bag fee, often poorly disclosed. The resort fee billed to your room, whether you used the "free" wireless and unlimited local phone calls or not. The license recovery fees that pay for your rental car's plates — as if that were optional.

 These extras, which most travelers call junk fees, aren't just expensive annoyances. Vast sectors of the travel industry have made them a cornerstone of their business operations, with airlines leading the way down this ethically troublesome path."

 'via Blog this'

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • The travel industry is dependent on these often dishonest fees
  • A refund en masse is probably out of the question
  • You can still fight junk fees on a case-by-case basis

“Off Track Art” is an artists’ co-op and gallery located in the historic Liberty Building at 11 Liberty Street – next to the railroad tracks, off of the Sentinel parking lot at the corner of West Main St and MD 27-Liberty St - in historic downtown Westminster, Carroll County Maryland. 

Open: Wed-Fri. Noon to 6 PM , Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM. http://offtrackart.blogspot.com/ 
 For news and information on Off Track Art previous to December 15, 2011, you can go to http://kevindayhoffart.blogspot.com/search/label/Art%20Off%20Track%20Art
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Christopher Elliott: TSA Watch special report: A Christmas card from Al-Qaeda

TSA Watch special report: A Christmas card from Al-Qaeda

DECEMBER 25, 2011

http://www.elliott.org/blog/tsa-watch-special-report-a-christmas-card-from-al-qaeda/
Maybe it was the frosting, which a TSA agent tsk-tsked for being “too gel-like.”
Or maybe it was the sinister name of the company that baked it — Wicked Good Cupcakes — that made the federal agency charged with protecting America’s transportation systems suspect the cupcake contained more than chocolatey holiday cheer.
Whatever the reason, we now havethe latest TSA scandal: Rebecca Hains, a Peabody, Mass., college professor, says a single cupcake was confiscated by TSA agents in Las Vegas last week.
The agency bans certain liquids and gels, even though there’s no convincing evidence that terrorists are plotting to bring down a plane with liquid explosives, or specifically, that the topping in a single tasty holiday cupcake could incinerate an aircraft.
These must be actions of a single, overzealous TSA agent, right?
If only. When I mentioned this story on Twitter a few days ago, I heard back from readers who said airport screeners were busy confiscating all kinds of Christmas contraband, including snowglobes and cheese dip.


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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

New on Elliott: The “real” St. Lucia, accountability and the TSA, lightning-fast response times


New on Elliott: The “real” St. Lucia, accountability and the TSA, lightning-fast response times – Sponsored by Floridavacationauction.com

JUNE 14, 2011
Here’s the online version of Elliott’s E-Mail. If this doesn’t display correctly, why not switch subscriptions to my RSS feed or my daily e-mail newsletter?
Please check out 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 “Chris Elliott 2011″ to get a $25 credit towards a winning auction.Details here.
Going to Europe this summer? I’m working on a story about summer travel to Europe, and what awaits American tourists. Do you have any advice for your fellow travelers, given the interesting political and economic situation this summer? Please share your thoughts. Don’t forget to include your full name, city and occupation.
What I’m reading. Our unauthorized tour of the “real” St. Luciajust posted on National Geographic Traveler’s site. There’s also a lively debate on accountability and the TSA, cruise upgrades that don’t exist, and companies that answer the phone on the first ring.
Featured posts
St. Lucia With Kids: An Island That Leaves You Speechless
The scenic overlook that offers a breathtaking view of a fishing village and an improbably blue Caribbean Sea is a classic tourist trap. And St. Lucia has more than its fair share of them, where merchants hawk necklaces, painted shells, and jewelry to unsuspecting visitors.
Is this enough compensation? He waited too long to use his cruise voucher
Gregg Brady was looking forward to his February cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Of The Seas but the winds of fate were about to blow in a different direction. Just before his vacation, he had to be hospitalized and missed his sailing.
Can this trip be saved? A bait-and-switch offer on a cruise upgrade — or not?
Like a lot of other travelers, Tom Brollini was just looking for a bargain when he clicked on the Cruises Only website a few weeks ago.
Hey Travelocity, where the $#*!@ is my money?
Tenaya Newkirk wants her money back from Travelocity. But instead of offering her a quick refund, it’s giving her excuses.
TSA Watch: Could you please define “accountability”?
“Accountability.” That was the dramatic headline on TSA’s blog yesterday announcing the firing of at least 30 employees, including two senior managers, at Honolulu International Airport, for “improperly” screening baggage. Actually, they weren’t screened at all.
10 Companies that Don’t Keep You Waiting on Hold Forever
Nothing says, “We care” quite like picking up the phone on the first ring or answering an email quickly. Find out who’s the fastest.
Should Companies Be Fined For Bad Service?
That’s the intriguing question raised today in Spain, where the government is considering punishing its phone companies for failing to meet minimum customer service standards.
Can You Be “Low-Cost” When You Tack On High Fees?
That’s what Spirit Airlines does. Here’s their defense. What do you think?
Also
Get a spot at the airport. Please check out our underwriter,AirportParkingReservations.com – #1 For guaranteed online airport parking reservations. Low rates on short stay and long term parking. Compare and save today!
See you online! If you’re not following me on Facebook or Twitter, then you’re only catching half the conversation. Join me for a lively discussion about travel, customer service and anything else you might find interesting. Remember, if you love opining about travel — and let’s face it, who doesn’t? — then you’ll want to be come part of my new travel panel.
Our underwriters
Travel Hacking Cartel – Earn hundreds of thousands of Frequent Flyer Miles without getting on a plane. Find out more.
Travel deals — Get up to 80% off. Refer a friend and get $10. Go to Yuupon.com.
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.
FirstClassFlyer.com — Which helps you fly first class for the price of coach. Get more information.
Skooba — Which offers award-winning tech/travel carrying cases and accessories. Discount code ELLIOTT20 gets you 20% off and free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Visit Skooba.
International Airline Tickets — Find discount airfares to many destinations worldwide at AirlineConsolidator.com.
TripInsuranceStore.com — Steve, Deanna, Becky, Mary give you one-on-one advice at 1-888-407-3854 or visit us online. Contact them now.
Luggage Pros – Buy luggage, bags, briefcases, travel accessories and more. Use coupon code ELLIOTT for free shipping on any order. Get more information here.
Squaremouth.com — Voted the best travel insurance comparison site. Squaremouth is easy to use with powerful sort & research tools. 250+ travel insurance plans. Click here for more.
Chinatours.com — Offers affordable, private and fully customizable tours to China. If you are traveling to China with family members and friends, you should give them a try. Get details here.
Cheapflights.com — Lets you search the best travel deals, then book your cheap airline tickets with one of its many partners. Check out Cheapflights.com.
Want to feel the love of nearly 100,000 weekly readers? Please ask about our corporate underwriter program. Send me an email.
✓ Get the latest travel news, tips and commentary from Elliott’s E-Mail, the subversive newsletter from consumer advocate Christopher Elliott. You’ll travel like a pro. Sign up here. It’s free.

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Friday, June 10, 2011

Christopher Elliott: Who's the worst company in America?


Can anyone agree on which company has the worst service? I have the answer here. After Delta's little dust-up with its luggage fees charged to soldiers, I also have a few thoughts on the true cost of flying. 

Over at CBS Interactive, I've got posts on the things companies do to annoy customers and on Spirit's questionable questionnaire.

As always, this message is brought to you by our good friends at Floridavacationauction.com. Check them out if you're thinking of a Florida vacation (I will be later this year!). And by Travel Hacking Cartel - Earn hundreds of thousands of Frequent Flyer Miles without getting on a plane. Find out more.

Read more stories and commentary! The complete, unabridged, can't-miss online version of my newsletter is available here.



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Saturday, May 21, 2011

TSA Watch: America’s funniest federal agency? No, seriously


TSA Watch: America’s funniest federal agency? No, seriously

If the TSA wasn’t violating our civil rights with its intrusive screening procedures, as so many passengers claim, and as Texas Rep. David Simpson explains in his thoughtful commentary, then all of this might be kind of funny.

[...]

Playing along with the joke, Janet Napolitano insisted the shoesmust continue to come off during screening in a speech this week to a tourism conference. Her remarks drew applause.

[...]

And then there’s exhibit #2 — our friend Blogger Bob. If you don’t think the TSA’s social-media mouthpiece has a sense of humor, then you haven’t read his April Fool’s Day post about invisible space aliens being screened.

[...]

How about last week’s bomb “drill” in Minneapolis that TSA forgot to tell local law enforcement about? Oops. That had a few observers chuckling, didn’t it?

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Friday, April 15, 2011

New on Elliott: Should the TSA pat down kids?, things a customer service rep won’t tell you, insurance that doesn’t work

New on Elliott: Should the TSA pat down kids?, things a customer service rep won’t tell you, insurance that doesn’t work – Sponsored by Floridavacationauction.com

APRIL 15, 2011
Here’s the online version of Elliott’s E-Mail. If this doesn’t display correctly, why not switch subscriptions to my RSS feed or my daily e-mail newsletter?
Check out 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 “Chris Elliott 2011″ to get a $25 credit towards a winning auction. Details here.
It’s new! It’s better than ever! You’ve asked me to upgrade my Facebook page, and I’ve done just that. Check it out, and please “like” it. It’s just another way we can stay in touch and talk about travel and consumer advocacy.
Should the TSA pat down kids? Before you answer, watch the video on this post. Then take the poll.
New posts
6 things a customer service rep won’t tell you
It’s not your fault. When you call a company’s “800” number with a problem, no one tells what to say – or what not to say.
The Travel Troubleshooter: Insurance claim denied after bike accident
John Frow pays for his airline tickets with $601 in credit. But then he has a bike accident and cancels his trip. When he makes an insurance claim, Access America turns him down, believing he didn’t suffer any financial loss. Now what?
Case dismissed? Travel insurance won’t cover my canceled tour
Catherine Markland was looking forward to her Ecuador trip with Friendly Planet this month. She had a litte extra peace of mind because she’d purchased an insurance policy for her flights through Access America.
Ridiculous or not? No credit for your nonrefundable hotel room
True, Jorge Sanchez-Salazar booked a nonrefundable room at the Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport through Orbitz. And it’s true, too, that he canceled the trip, and that under the rules, the hotel could keep his money — all of it.
CBS Interactive
The Wrong Way to Handle Customers Who Badmouth You
There’s a right way and a wrong way to manage your company’s reputation.
A Smarter Way to Protect Your Company’s Reputation
Most companies try to manage their reputations after the fact. By then, it’s too late. There’s a better way.
Are Customers to Blame for Cheap Products and Services?
With the price of goods and services getting “too good to be true,” what quality should customers expect–and companies deliver?
Why A Bad Review Is Good For Business–Seriously
Smart companies aren’t afraid of clients and customers griping online. They embrace the negative feedback–and come out ahead.
Also
Looking for an upgrade? Please check out our underwriter,FirstClassFlyer.com — Which helps you fly first class for the price of coach. Get more information.
Let’s continue this conversation online. If you’re not following me on Facebook or Twitter, then you’re only catching half the conversation. Join me for a lively discussion about travel, customer service and anything else you might find interesting. Remember, if you love opining about travel — and let’s face it, who doesn’t? — then you’ll want to be come part of my new travel panel.
Our underwriters
Skooba — Which offers award-winning tech/travel carrying cases and accessories. Discount code ELLIOTT20 gets you 20% off and free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Visit Skooba.
International Airline Tickets — Find discount airfares to many destinations worldwide at AirlineConsolidator.com.
TripInsuranceStore.com — Steve, Deanna, Becky, Mary give you one-on-one advice at 1-888-407-3854 or visit us online. Contact them now.
Squaremouth.com — Voted the best travel insurance comparison site. Squaremouth is easy to use with powerful sort & research tools. 250+ travel insurance plans. Click here for more.
Cheapflights.com — Lets you search the best travel deals, then book your cheap airline tickets with one of its many partners. Check out Cheapflights.com.
AirportParkingReservations.com – #1 For guaranteed online airport parking reservations. Low rates on short stay and long term parking. Compare and save today!
Travel deals — Get up to 80% off. Refer a friend and get $10. Go to Yuupon.com.
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.
Want to feel the love of nearly 100,000 weekly readers? Please ask about our corporate underwriter program. Send me an email.
✓ Get the latest travel news, tips and commentary from Elliott’s E-Mail, the subversive newsletter from consumer advocate Christopher Elliott. You’ll travel like a pro. Sign up here. It’s free.

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