Airlines tell how to avoid delays

Airlines tell howto avoid delays
Most big U.S. airlines have two major themes in their holiday-travel advice to passengers: Pack light and smart, and use the self-service check-in machines to speed progress and avoid long lines.
Besides easing your load, packing light reduces the amount of baggage the airlines must move and inspect. Packing smart means avoiding objects that will trigger manual security inspections at the X-ray stations. Gift-wrapped items risk being unwrapped during inspection, and a gift that violates restrictions -- say a multitool gadget with a blade -- faces confiscation or the hassle of going to the checked-luggage line.
The number of self-service ticketing kiosks nationwide has grown in the last year, enabling passengers with e-ticket reservations to get a boarding pass by inserting their credit card or frequent-flier card into the machines.
Some airlines' machines even handle passengers with bags to check; a checked-bag tag prints out behind the counter; when you walk your bag to the drop-off point, an agent places the tag on your bag.
Map is devotedto Santa Claus
It's not your typical holiday travel guide, but a Minneapolis specialty map publisher offers a global map devoted to Santa Claus and the history and traditions around him.
Unfolded, the 26-by-39-inch, posterlike "Santa Map: A Cultural Geography of the World's Most Beloved Man" pinpoints Santa-related rites worldwide, including those in such unlikely spots as Cairo, Suriname, and Flores Islands, Indonesia.
Some notations are tongue-in-cheek, but most of the hundreds of tidbits are factual. There are history lessons, too, including a chart explaining the winter solstice and a map depicting the spread of the Protestant Reformation.
Other sections include Santa's Europe, Santa's other names (Grandfather Frost, Generous Pho Pho, Sinterklaas), and "How can I send Santa an e-mail?" The map's reverse side examines such jolly topics as Santa's wardrobe, and how in ancient times St. Nicholas got the ball rolling in a Roman province that is now part of Turkey.
The $9.95 map is in book and map stores, or can be ordered through www.hedbergmaps.com or by calling (800) 933-6277.
Travel newsletterto fold after January
Consumer Reports Travel Letter will fold after its January issue, according to Consumers Union, publisher of the monthly newsletter.
For 17 years, the newsletter has reported on consumer-oriented travel issues, often with detail not attempted by other publications. For instance, it periodically compiled airline seating statistics that underscored why coach passengers often feel pinched. Its reader surveys helped it rate and compare the many brands of chain motels. An analysis aimed at novice cruise passengers explained which cabin areas on cruise ships were best, including the best areas for those fearing motion sickness -- the sort of information consumers could not rely on the cruise industry to spotlight.
Backed by the clout of its parent organization, the monthly newsletter also gave voice to consumer travel interests, advocating changes and policies that benefit the average traveler.
The 116,000-circulation newsletter had lost 17 percent of its subscribers in the past year, a Consumers Union official told the Wall Street Journal in explaining the decision to end publication, citing the downturn in travel and the surge of free online travel information.
Loews Hotels packageis treat for dogs, cats
Loews Hotels has package for canine and feline family members. It features an in-room holiday meal for pets, pet amenities, a free in-room movie and dinner for two in the hotel restaurant with a special "Doggie Bag" of leftovers.
The package is available at all 18 North American Loews Hotels through Jan. 31. Prices range from $175 at the Loews Annapolis to $509 at New York's Regency Hotel, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
Pet menu items include Dog Nog, Turkey Rolls a la Pug, Spaniel Stuffing and Persian Pumpkin Pie. Standard pet menu items are also available, often including bow wow burgers, chicken and rice, and grilled filet. All menu items were approved by a veterinarian.
For more information, call (800) 235-6397 or visit www.loewshotels.com.
Amtrak offers30% off fares
Amtrak launched a fare sale recently for travel through February that offers at least 30 percent off most adult tickets -- one of the largest rail discounts in memory. Online bookings qualify for an additional 5 percent off.
The "30 percent off the ticket promotion" must be booked by Friday, and travel must be completed by Feb. 28.
The deal is not available for Acela Express or Metroliner service but is available for most other trains, including selected Acela Regional service.
Tickets must be booked at least three days in advance and are nonrefundable.
The discount is not available during certain peak holiday periods.
The discount is applied to the best available fare, so the earlier a ticket is booked, the less expensive your fare may be.
In any case, 30 percent or 35 percent off represents a good deal for an across-the-board discount on Amtrak. The railroad occasionally offers two-for-one deals that could amount to higher savings, but routine discounting is only 10 percent.
As with most discounts, travelers need to request this one when booking; it does not automatically apply. The code to mention is H233, or H234 if booking online at www.amtrak.com.
Fares can be booked through Amtrak at (800) 872-7245, or through a travel agent.
Besides the adult discount, up to two children ages 2 to 15 may accompany adults at half the discounted fare. Amtrak policy also allows one toddler under 2 to travel at no charge.
Chicano cultureshown in displays
"Chicano Now: American Expressions," a multimedia presentation with interactive displays about cultural contributions of Mexican-Americans, is on display at the Smithsonian's Arts and Industries Building in Washington through Jan. 5.
The exhibits feature comedy troupe Culture Clash; actor-producer Cheech Marin; comedians Paul Rodriguez and George Lopez; filmmakers Lourdes Portillo, Robert Rodriquez and Gustavo Vazquez; and performance artist Guillermo Gomez Pena.
Visitors can try low-rider simulators, show off their footwork on the dance floor and learn the secret to pollo con mole. The exhibit is on a five-year, 15-city national tour.
Visit www.chicano-artlife.com for more information.
Combined dispatches