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Summary: Great time for this book
Review: This is the best book for these troubled times.
The timing for this book is perfect for the current travel market.
With so many airlines and hotels having financial trouble, the best bargains are available. This book offers tips that perfectly work for getting upgrades and saving money. I purchased the book 3 months ago and have already been to 2 five star hotels with upgrades and taken 5 first class flights. Not bad, for [$$]bucks.
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Summary: Good Stuff
Review: I like this book and find it very useful. I have used some of the tips with good success. Overall it has enhanced my travels and help me save money.
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Summary: Right on the mark
Review: I purchased this book when it first came out, and among many good points, I remembered how the book described the cyclical nature of the travel industry. So I recently want back and reread it and the information really applies right now. The travel opportunities that are currently available become even better when you can enjoy them in first class.
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Summary: Very Helpful
Review: I found this book to be informative and helpful. What really got my attention was how the author describes techniques for navigating through the maze of travel with ease. I think that this is especially relevant in today's environment. Also rather intelligently, he tells readers how to get the best deals, albeit not always at the rock bottom price but most importantly travel that provides value and increases the joy of travel. I think it is worth the price of the book.
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Summary: Very Helpful
Review: In Short, if you want to travel right, at the right price, this is the book for you!!!
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Summary: Can i give this book and this guy no stars?
Review: the titled piqued my interest, of course with a title like that, but I was wary. So I flipped through this book at the library first. I also read his column at traveler's tales website. What a load of [junk]. Does he get paid by Delta? His answer to a letter specifically requesting how to get upgrades on Continental or Air France was all about how great Delta was. And his advice to ask nicely for upgrades? also [junk]. Continental has elaborate rules on upgrading and if you're not Elite, you ain't getting there first class! Hell, even Elite members don't just get it for free unless they're "Platinum" elite. Sure, Widzer may get all kinds of upgrades, but then he's basically ultra Elite status. Bottom line, if you're already rich and can afford to travel say 75,000 miles in one calendar year to attain the highest level of elite status, then you'll get upgraded. But it's still expensive to buy even the cheapest tickets to get 75,000 miles. Don't waste your money or time with this and find some legitimate travel books like using both a higher-end travel guide and a budget one to get the most bang for your buck.
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Summary: A Gem
Review: I first came across Dr. Widzer's work while studying as a graduate student at Cornell University. I read Dr. Widzer's dissertation Customer Service in the Airline Industry, which in turn led me to his book The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel. This book is very insightful and simply explains the market philosophy of travel companies. Of importance to the reader is how they can take part of the wide array of offerings made available to loyal consumers.
The information in this book is not widely discussed or advertised by travel companies; however, it is standard operating methodology among travel marketers to promote loyalty. The success of frequent user programs is one such example. The premise of this book is that those customers who are willing to demonstrate any level of loyalty towards a travel company will be rewarded with enhance perks and benefits. Who can argue with such a basic truism? The value of this book is that it details clear and systematic methods for achieving these benefits despite the experience level of the reader/traveler.
On a personal note, it is disheartening to read a few of the other reviews that seem rooted in ignorance rather then a fair assessment of this work and what this book offers. One reviewer goes as far as to say that anyone can be a "so-called expert." It seems to me that it is easy to criticize a book or an authors work without realizing the amount of time, research, and strategy that lies behind it. Perhaps it is jealously. I suspect that when someone does not have much to offer on their own, that they rather make light of another's hard work. I know that this book is a boon to consumers, and I have required it as reading for my students.
It is only too bad that some selfish individuals deem it necessary to put-down what they did not understand or deem as too simple. The tips in this book are simple, but that is the genius behind the work, because it does work, and more to the point it makes sense for both providers and consumers.
This book is truly a gem. Keep up the good work Dr. Widzer, despite your critics.
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Summary: What a waste
Review: Reading this "book" is a painful reminder that of how easy it is to pass yourself off as an "expert". How many times have you seen someone on TV say they are an expert in something, solely because they have annointed themselves as such. This is clearly the case here as well. Let's all pay (...) so that someone can tell us to ask for something when we want it. (...)The author could have helped his readers to avoid wasting their valuable time by producing a book 1 page long. Here is how version 2 should be printed. Page 1: "If you want something, ASK FOR IT". NO REFUNDS ALLOWED. THE END
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Summary: Perfect for the new era of travel
Review: I purchased this book a year ago, and had success with the strategies and techniques. However, I have found this book to be even more relevant in light of the recent events in travel. Not only will this book save you money it will help you understand this downturn in the travel industry and how you can NOW travel in total luxury while paying pennies on the dollar. I have found this book so relevant right now that I have purchased multiple copies for friends as Christmas gifts.
If you know someone who will travel in the next year, this will be a great gift. This is one book that will improve your travels and will aid in navigating this testing time of travel.
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Summary: Buy It
Review: I saw this book today, and I was instantly enthralled by it! Mr. Widzer knows his stuff including the peculiarities of the travel industry. I saw Mr. Widzer on MSNBC, and thoroughly enjoyed his tips on travel planning. I purchase a copy, and copies for my friends. I recommend this book for anyone who is even contemplating traveling, or even works in the industry.
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