Amtrak charging more for last-minute tickets

Amtrak charging morefor last-minute tickets
WASHINGTON -- Amtrak is taking a cue in revenue management from the airlines and is charging passengers extra for last-minute seats.
Early last month, Amtrak began charging its Northeast Corridor passengers 15 percent to 25 percent more for tickets purchased close to departure than for the same tickets bought weeks in advance.
The new structure is based on the level of sales prior to departure. The more popular the route, such as the Northeast Corridor Metroliner or Acela on a Friday afternoon, the higher the last-minute rate.
"If a train is almost sold out, you may pay a higher fare if you book at the last minute," said Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell.
Pocket guides point outcultural, shopping sites
NEW YORK -- If culture and shopping are your primary pursuits when you arrive in a city such as Prague or Milan, check out the pocket-sized guides in the "art/shop/eat" series from W.W. Norton.
The compact and colorful books offer detailed descriptions of museums, galleries, churches and other architectural landmarks, along with listings for specialty shops, boutiques and markets; and recommendations for dining and entertainment from restaurants and cafes to lounges and dance clubs.
Select hotels are listed as well, along with advice about local travel.
The series has new and revised guides out this fall ($13.95 each) to Milan, Berlin, Venice, Los Angeles, Madrid, Prague and San Francisco. Though these may not be the best books to consult for the standard top 10 tourist attractions, they do tell you where to find East German and Russian art in Berlin; frocks and footwear by Spanish designers; and a wine bar with a full menu in Venice, Cantina della Vetra.
Key West beginscomeback after Wilma
KEY WEST, Fla. -- The Florida Keys have reopened to visitors after a clean-up of damage caused by Hurricane Wilma.
Hospitals are open, the boil-water order was lifted for all of the Keys with the exception of a residential subdivision in Key Largo, and 90 percent of hotels are operating.
However, Everglades National Park, Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas National Park and most state parks remain closed. Check the Keys Web site, at www.fla-keys.com, for a full list.
The Key West Fantasy Fest, a popular annual Halloween event, had to be canceled because of the storm but has been rescheduled to Dec. 7-10 with the theme of "Freaks, Geeks and Goddesses."
Other events have been rescheduled as well; check www.fla-keys.com or call (800) 352-5397.
Combined dispatches
Northwest doubles feesfor noncomputer buys
Northwest Airlines recently doubled the fees it charges travelers who buy tickets with the help of a live person. The move is part of an industrywide effort to direct travelers to airline Web sites, which process tickets more cheaply.
Northwest -- which is currently operating under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection -- increased its fees to $10 from $5 for tickets bought through its reservation lines. Fees on tickets bought at airport ticket counters increased to $20 from $10. The airline also increased its fees for frequent fliers who obtain their award tickets through an airport ticket agent. Those travelers will have to pay $30 instead of $15.
American Airlines raised its fees last month on tickets bought through its reservation center to $10 from $8. The increase was intended to put American in line with other airlines, said spokesman Tim Smith. American also charges $15 for tickets purchased at the airport and $15 for frequent-flier award tickets purchased through its call center.
US Airways charges a $5 fee for tickets sold through its reservation agents, $10 for tickets sold at the airport and $5 for award tickets issued through a reservation agent. Delta Air Lines' fee is $10 for tickets bought over the phone, $15 at the airport and $10 for award travel through an agent.