Tar Heel Travels At your favorite hotel, be aware that, while prices may be lower to attract more guests, unexpected charges may find their way to your bill. To offset a lower income from room rates, many hotels have increased prices for telephone calls, parking, exercise and spa facilities, Internet connections and other amenities.
Post 9-11  Travel Tips Vacation bargains  are everywhere, but so are  the pitfalls that run up your bill By Bill F. Hensley

The travel industry — and traveling — has changed drastically in the past year. The 9-11 tragedy started a perilous, financially crippling slide for the industry that was devastating. Then along came a sluggish economy, war, rising fuel prices and mysterious illnesses. The industry has suffered, and there seems to be no end in sight as a cost-conscious public pinches pennies, fears for its safety, and stays at home.

Simply, traveling isn’t as much fun as it used to be. That’s not to say that vacations — as well as business trips — aren’t enjoyable because they can be, as always. On the plus side, as the industry struggles to recapture business, there are bargains galore that suddenly make travel attractive and affordable.

By the same token, there are pitfalls along the route that make traveling today more complicated and less personal than ever before. There is no hiding the fact that drastic changes have come to an industry that has always played a vital role in our lives. Be forewarned: expect to be hassled and frustrated as you encounter ordeals.

As everyone knows, airlines are suffering from a variety of maladies that have wreaked havoc in the industry. Last year the world’s carriers lost billions of dollars in operating losses that stemmed from bad management, soaring fuel costs, and severe travel cutbacks because of security and economic reasons.

Several of the world’s best-known airlines have already filed for bankruptcy and are seeking billions in financial assistance. It appears that more carriers, domestic and international, will join the sorrowful financial parade in the months ahead.

The flying public now faces fewer and more crowded flights, understaffing, confusion, cancellations, car searches at the airport, longer security lines, stringent restrictions, parking fee increases and rising airport food prices. On-board meals, including snacks, are all but non-existent, and some of the carriers have started charging for food and other in-flight services. Don’t be surprised at a $7 charge for breakfast and $10 for lunch or dinner.

At your favorite hotel, be aware that, while prices may be lower to attract more guests, unexpected charges may find their way to your bill. To offset a lower income from room rates, many hotels have increased prices for telephone calls, parking, exercise and spa facilities, Internet connections and other amenities.

A friend recently noted a spa charge on his bill when he checked out of a big city hostelry. He complained and said that he hadn’t used the facility. “But it was there had you wanted to use it,” he was told, and the charges stood.

Travelers have experienced similar experiences at car rental agencies, because the firms are now enforcing the “fine print” in contracts. In Charlotte this year, a traveler who had booked a car for five days turned in the vehicle after four days and expected a one-day refund. There was none forthcoming, however, as the agency enforced the rental agreement.

According to a national travel publication, some cruise passengers are being forced to pay surcharges of $10 to $20 per day per person to offset higher fuel and security prices, even though cruise contracts say that such charges have to be announced before the cruise begins. Again, many on-ship amenities that were previously gratis now bear a fee, and there has been a sharp increase in the cost of land excursions and other services.

 What is today’s traveler to do? How does one avoid being ripped off?

“It is a matter of asking a lot of questions, reading a lot of fine print, examining a lot of bills closely, and being aware that such things are happening,” offers one travel expert. “Don’t assume anything and don’t take anything for granted. It’s a whole new ballgame, and the consumer can be victimized if he isn’t careful.”

Another travel executive advises the traveling public to “assume nothing and take nothing for granted. These are the times when a traveler must play it smart, including getting all arrangements in writing if you can. I tell my clients to reconfirm everything — flights, hotel and car reservations, tour bookings and charges. Above all, travel insurance is mandatory. One can’t be too careful these days.”

But that’s the seamy side of an essential industry. With warnings in mind, today’s traveler has a golden opportunity to pay less for travel. All segments of the industry, though beset with problems, want your business and will negotiate to get it.

Have a nice trip, bon voyage, smooth sailing. I hope all your flights will be on time, and the weather sunny and warm. Just make sure you get to the airport earlier than usual. And don’t forget to smile at the armed guards.

Return to magazine index