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
Alma and Ken, 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.-Heloise
IF YOU'RE
TRAVELING ABROAD
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:
n 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.
n Don't pay with large bills. Use smaller bills and coin in the country's currency, which avoids the "I don't have change" scam.
n Do obey the laws of the country you're visiting.
n 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.
n Do stay in touch with family and friends back home, and make sure someone at home has a copy of your itinerary.
n Do insist on contacting your nearest embassy if you are arrested or detained for some reason.-Cassandra G., McLean, Va.
SEWING NEEDLES
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., Mason City, Iowa
READER RESPONDS
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.
THIN HAIR
Dear Heloise: My daughter's hair is just too thin to hold a cute barrette. Got any hints on what will make a barrette stay in her hair?-Julia V., Waterford, Mich.
Julia, glue a strip of rubber band on the underside of the barrette, and that should grip her hair.-Heloise
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