AIRLINES

FEES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Several big airlines have added $10 surcharges for most of their tickets for travel on three busy days around Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays.

American and United airlines added the charge for most travel fares on Nov. 29, the Sunday after Thanksgiving. They also added the charge for Jan. 2 and 3. US Airways Group matched the surcharge, and FareCompare.com said Delta Air Lines added it, too.

Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines both said they had not added the surcharge.

AIRLINES

FLYING THE PET-FRIENDLY SKIES

American Airlines and Sherpa Pet Group have introduced a soft-sided pet carrier that meets size requirements for in-cabin travel.

American has created a YouTube video outlining the travel process with the new pet carriers: http://bit.ly/AAPetCarrierVid.

THEME PARKS

CYPRESS GARDENS CLOSES -- AGAIN

Cypress Gardens, which reigned as Florida's grandest theme park in the days before Disney, has shut down while its owners try to sell the attraction.

Located in Winter Haven, Cypress Gardens was founded in 1936 by Dick and Julie Pope. The Pope family sold the park in 1985, and the property has changed owners several times since.

It was closed in 2003, then changed hands under a complicated deal that involved help from state and local government and a nonprofit conservation group. The current owners bought it in 2007, closed it the next year for renovations and reopened in March, featuring its traditional botanical gardens, water park, water ski shows and concerts, but without the animal attractions and rides.

DEALS

TRAVEL BARGAINS AROUND THE GLOBE

• Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyo., is offering a ski free package, with savings of more than 50 percent. The deal starts at $87.50 per person double a night and includes accommodations, up to two lift tickets per day at Grand Targhee Resort or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, daily breakfast for two at the Granary restaurant, and free shuttle to town and the Jackson Hole resort. Valid late November-April 1. Taxes of 6 percent are additional. Rates are typically $195 a night, and a full-day lift ticket at Jackson Hole starts at $55. Info: 800-443-6139, www.springcreekranch.com.

• Crystal Cruises has announced a slew of deals for its 2010 season, including two-for-one pricing on its cruises in all categories and free airfare on cruises along Australia and New Zealand, the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and New England and Canada. (Penthouse passengers receive free business-class air to Europe.) In addition, the cruise line is offering a Birthday Bonus promotion, which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. For the deal, book by Dec. 31 and sail on your birthday in 2010 to receive 50 percent off a second cruise taken before your 2011 birthday. Info: 888- 799-4625, www.crystalcruises.com.

• The Appalachian Mountain Club is offering an all-inclusive two-for-one lodging deal for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult.

The discount is available at all five of the AMC's northern New England lodges in New Hampshire and Maine.

Rates vary by location. Only one discount is offered per reservation. For reservations, call 603-466-2727. Details at http://www.outdoors.org/lodging.

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