Airlines must pay for damage

The next time your luggage slides off the carousel with a broken wheel or a missing handle, file a claim with your airline. The Department of Transportation recently told the nation's airlines that they are obligated to compensate travelers for damage to wheels, straps, zippers, handles and other parts beyond normal wear and tear. Los Angeles Times

SkyMall is flying United

SkyMall is back. For now. The in-flight catalog, known for quirky items such as hoodies for dogs and garden Yetis, filed for bankruptcy this year. In October, SkyMall paid to be included as an insert into United Airlines' in-flight magazine, Hemispheres. It will continue to be in the magazine through the end of the year. Los Angeles Times

Hotel CHeck-in

Pulling out the sparks for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve doesn't have to mean the usual been-there, done-that celebration. The Knickerbocker Hotel — located at the edge of Times Square in New York and with views of the crystal ball that drops at midnight — is offering a night's stay with dinner and dancing and a New Year's Day brunch (from $2,890 for two). Also in New York City, the Plaza Hotel has a Ring in the New Year package. It includes a night's stay, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at the famed Palm Court followed by a dinner with a menu by the chef Geoffrey Zakarian, entertainment with a live band and a Champagne toast (from $1,190 for two). Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis., has the Grand Style Package. Included are a two-night stay, dinner for two, a Grand Ballroom dance party, two drink tickets per person and a lakeside fireworks show (from $799).

New York Times

Deal of the week

Seeking sunshine on Sun Country

Today is the last day to take advantage of Sun Country Airlines' latest "sunshine" sale, offering discounted winter trips (Jan. 5-March 9) to Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego and Palm Springs, Calif. Flight-only specials are $134 to $169. As for vacation packages, highlights include three nights at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas with select January departures, from $369 per person based on double occupancy; three nights at the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside with select January departures, from $445 per person double, or three nights at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa in Palm Springs with select January and February departures, from $675 per person double. More info at: suncountry.com.Staff Report

Web Buzz

Build your itinerary with Inspirock

Inspirock.com is a quick, customizable, plug-and-play itinerary builder for trips in the United States and Europe. Take Inspirock's suggestions, then fill in the gaps with tips from friends and ideas of your own. Just plug in your travel dates, describe your travel pace and click "See the Plan" plus "Edit Itinerary" to watch your adventure unfold. Use the Calendar tool to drag and drop activities into a timeline that suits you. Assign a co-traveler or planner and share it on social media. We loved the ability to ask friends questions about the trip and have their feedback added to the itinerary. This site has a lot of growth potential; we hope it adds more activities such as music, sports, theater and more. Los Angeles Times