Delta drops booking fee
Delta Air Lines recently eliminated a $25 fee for booking reservations by phone and a $35 fee for booking at ticket counters in U.S. airports. But Delta may not be losing much revenue by eliminating the booking fee because most people book flights online, said Michael Bentley, a partner at Revenue Analytics and former pricing strategist for Delta. He also noted that the booking fee is one of the most hated fees charged by airlines. "I don't see this fee as a big part of the company's budget," he said.
Los Angeles Times
Sun Country takes 25% off
Sun Country Airlines is discounting flights to the 48 contiguous United States by 25 percent on bookings through Monday. The sale is available on suncountry.com (use promo code SCA25) for travel through Oct. 12, excluding most Sundays. For example, a round trip from Minneapolis to Fort Myers, Fla., from May 12 to May 17 was $322.20 normally, but $248.70 with the discount code. Tip: Do a fare search for all airlines, and if Sun Country's fare is already competitive, go to the airline's site for the additional savings.
Simon Peter Groebner
A week in India for less
Alexander+Roberts is offering savings of $500 per person on its small-group trips to India and Nepal through April 2017. For example, the Sept. 19 departure of the Week in India tour starts at $2,099 per person double. The trip includes seven nights at hotels in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur; ground transportation; 11 meals; tours with entrance fees; airport transfers; and taxes. The discount also applies to the Grandeur of India + Nepal and Land of the Maharajahs tours. Book and pay in full by May 16. (1-800-221-2216, alexanderroberts.com/deals/luxury-adventures-to-india.aspx.)
Washington Post
London hotel fit for a Bond
If you were James Bond and needed a London hotel where you could operate clandestinely, where would you stay? Probably a small townhouse hotel, such as the Draycott in Chelsea. On a recent visit, James Bond was spotted in the living room, sipping a glass of Champagne. Or rather, it was one of the several handsome actors who have played 007. We won't say which one, to protect his privacy and to honor the hotel's tradition of discretion. The few other guests joining him for the daily complimentary Champagne service were discreet enough not to blow his cover. Of course, the Draycott isn't just for celebrities. Upstairs, the rooms are all different. Many have 12-foot ceilings and gas fireplaces. Bathrooms are modern but hardly spacious. One of the best features is a large private garden oasis in the back of the hotel. But the best thing is clearly the feeling that you're staying in a private home in the heart of London (draycotthotel.com).
Airfarewatchdog.com
Mixed survey results
In an online survey by Airlines for America, 80 percent said they were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their air travel experience in 2015, and 67 percent said they prefer paying a la carte for onboard extras. But another survey by Travelers' Voice found that only 46 percent of respondents rated the airline industry as "favorable," while 59 percent said a series of airline mergers over the past decade has led to higher airfares. Both surveys agreed on one thing: Airline seats are a problem that should be addressed.
Los Angeles Times
