DEAR HELOISE: The cost of air travel keeps rising. Airlines have increased baggage fees, which we understand is a profitable source of revenue for the airlines. We already pay for seat selection, snacks, drinks, blankets, pillows and Wi-Fi. Why are we being asked to pay more for baggage?
-- Alma and Ken W.
in Los Angeles
DEAR READER: I looked into this, and yes, there is an increase in the baggage fees. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the airlines collected approximately $2.4 billion in baggage fees in the first half of 2018, but apparently this was not enough to offset the cost of fuel price increases. With the ever-increasing cost of air travel, maybe a road trip is in order.
DEAR HELOISE: As a travel agent, I've seen and heard mistakes made by travelers that ruined their trip when they traveled abroad. Here are a few hints to help them:
• Don't skip the car insurance when renting in a foreign country. If you're in an accident, take photos of all damages or injuries.
• Don't pay with large bills. Use smaller bills and coins in the country's currency, which avoids the "I don't have change" scam.
• Do obey the laws of the country you're visiting.
• Do make copies of your passport, insurance policy, traveler's checks and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in your luggage and leave one copy with someone at home.
• Do stay in touch with family and friends back home, and make sure someone at home has a copy of your itinerary.
• Do insist on contacting your nearest embassy if you are arrested or detained for some reason. Consular access is your right.
-- Cassandra G.,
McLean, Va.
DEAR HELOISE: I kept losing my sewing needles until I finally started putting them in empty pill bottles. Now I can find them instead of stepping on one hidden in the carpeting.
-- Lois F., Iowa
DEAR HELOISE: I read the suggestion from Linda W. about using foil and cooking spray in the pan when cooking meatloaf. Parchment paper works great, too!
-- Karen C.,
Riverside, Calif.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
MovieStyle on 01/18/2019