In my column a few weeks ago, I wrote:
Why, for example, does Expedia ask you to specify the number of children traveling with you, and even their ages, and then proceed to show you hotel rooms that can't accommodate the kids?Sadly, as of today, as a result of a restructuring at IDG Travel, I can't just call up Bruce Powell or Michael McCarthy. But my loss could be your gain. If you know of a Bay Area opportunity for an ace travel agent, I'll be happy to pass it along.
When I'm traveling on business, I get to bypass this nonsense. I just call up IDG Travel and talk to Bruce or Michael. These guys can hack through the plane/hotel/rental-car system like hot knives through butter. It's true they have access to privileged information, but I'm sure they could also make better use of public information than you or I. Their ability to recognize and exploit patterns is what makes them so effective.
And thanks again, guys. You'll be sorely missed.
Former URL: http://weblog.infoworld.com/udell/2003/09/29.html#a810