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JOHNNY JET'S Q & A
Travel Columnist: Ed Perkins

PROFILE

Travel columnist Ed Perkins is a nationally recognized reporter and consumer advocate. His weekly columns focus on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams and misleading promotions. He is the author of Online Travel (2000). Perkins recently retired as founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, known for its consumer-oriented research and reporting. From 1992 until 1997 he was the principal author of the annual Best Travel Deals books. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London). Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN and numerous local TV and radio stations. Before Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

ED'S ANSWERS

HOW OFTEN DO YOU FLY?
4-5 trips per year
ABOUT HOW MANY MILES/POINTS DO YOU EARN A YEAR?
About 20,000 by flying, more than that through charge cards and other sources.
WHAT CLASS OF SERVICE DO YOU MOSTLY FLY IN?
Wherever possible, I fly on senior coupons (Coach) and upgrade with frequent flyer miles.
FAVORITE AIRLINE?
Best in country, but small: Midwest Express. Best of the biggies: American (that extra legroom is great). One I usually fly: United, becuase I have so few choices here in MFR.
FAVORITE AIRCRAFT?
For Coach travel, the 777 wins by a mile as long as the seats are only 9 across.
FAVORITE HOTEL?
Favorite chain is Embassy Suites
FAVORITE AIRPORT?
The smaller the better--our little one here at MFR is fine.
FAVORITE CITY?
Too many to list
AISLE OR WINDOW?
Usually window, since Eleanore prefers aisle.
ETICKET OR PAPER?
Don't really care; e-tix are easier.
TRAVEL AGENT OR ONLINE?
Some of each
FAVORITE TRAVEL WEBSITE?
Johnny Jet, of course
FAVORITE TRAVEL COMPANION?
Wife Eleanore
BEST TRAVEL TIP:
In real estate, it's location, location, and location; in travel, it's flexibility, flexibility, and flexibility.