Sun Country's new bag fees
Sun Country Airlines has announced new luggage fees for travel beginning on or after Jan. 19. Passengers will now select between three baggage "bundles." The carry-on option is $30 for flights within the Lower 48 states, and $35 for all other destinations. If a customer waits until arriving at the airport to select this option, the price increases to $40. Passengers who prefer to check their bags will be charged a more modest $20 to $25. The third option is for the budget traveler. This passenger is allowed one free personal item, which must fit beneath the seat. The new scheme is designed to reward travelers who check their bags.
Kristen Leigh Painter
NAACP issues warning
The NAACP is warning African-Americans that if they fly on American Airlines they could be subject to discrimination or even unsafe conditions. The organization said that for several months it has watched a pattern of disturbing incidents reported by black passengers. "We're not telling people not to fly on American," said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. "We're just saying to individuals that here is an advisory note. We have picked up a pattern of a certain behavior of this corporation and until further notice be on alert." "We do not and will not tolerate discrimination of any kind," wrote American CEO Doug Parker in a memo to employees. "We have reached out to the NAACP and are eager to meet with them to listen to their issues and concerns."
Associated Press
Thanksgiving in Mexico
From Nov. 23 to 30, the W Punta de Mita on the Pacific Coast of Mexico is offering a special Thanksgiving package. Book online for three nights or longer with the rate code THKSGI and receive a $100 spa credit, daily breakfast for two and a lesson on making ceviche. The package also includes a three-course Thanksgiving dinner for two, with a turkey carving station. Rates start at $458 per night, compared with the regular rate of $550 a night.
New York Times
National Park fees may rise
The National Park Service is floating a steep increase in entrance fees at 17 popular parks, mostly in the West, to address maintenance and infrastructure projects. Visitors to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion and other parks would be charged $70 per vehicle, up from the current fee of $30 for a weekly pass. At others, the hike is nearly triple, from $25 to $70. The Park Service says it expects to raise $70 million a year with the latest proposal at a time when national parks have been breaking visitation records and putting a strain on park resources. Kevin Dahl, Arizona senior program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, said maintenance costs should fall to Congress, not visitors. "We don't want to price people out of the parks," he said.
Associated Press
JetBlue shuns 12 travel sites
JetBlue will no longer allow a dozen sites to list its flight information or sell its tickets. The airline has parted ways with SmartFares, MyFlightSearch, VacationExpress, FlyFar.ca, FlightNetwork, Vayama, WhatsCheaper, Vegas.com, JetsetVacations, CheapFlightsFares, QuickTravels and kiwi.com. The airline will continue to work with the larger entities such as Kayak, Google Flights and Hipmunk. The company's goal is to entice travelers to book on its own site. JetBlue will enter the Twin Cities market in May 2018 with service to Boston.
Washington Post