Air Travel

Two websites offer information, discounts and reservations for off-site airport parking at both car parks and hotel lots.

Starting Jan. 1, 2011, Germany will levy a new Air Passenger Duty (ADP) on flights departing from German airports. Based on the distance to be traveled, the ADP will be €13 (near $17.50) for flights under 2,500 kilometers (about 1,553 miles) and €26 for longer trips.

On Nov. 1, the UK will increase its already high ADP to £12 ($19) for flights under 2,000 miles; £60, 2,000-3,999 miles; £75, 4,000-5,999 miles, and £85, 6,000 miles or more. All of these taxes are double for a passenger flying premium or premium-economy class.

Travelers with connecting flights at any of three London airports can reserve a stay in airside (i.e., past security checkpoint) lounges and, at Heathrow, guest rooms operated by No.1 Traveller (phone 08442 64 64 40, www.no1lounges.com).

• Airport lounges are in Heathrow Terminal 3; Gatwick North and South terminals, and Stansted gates 16 and 49. Amenities include cinema, bistro, game room, business center and free WiFi. £25 (near $39) for three hours; £7.50 for each extra hour. Champagne and spa services cost extra.

(Part 3 of 4. Go to part one or part two.)

From New York City’s JFK Airport, my wife, Dorothy, and I headed for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with Korean Airlines (KAL) on April 15, 2011. Our flight included a stop in Seoul with only one hour to make our connection. Unfortunately, we were delayed two hours taking off from JFK due to “technical problems.”

During the 14-hour flight to Seoul, the flight attendant assured us several times that we need not worry. When we arrived in Seoul, we found that we were two of 139 passengers who had missed their connections due to the delay.

I have been in the hospitality business (hotels) for more than 30 years and would like to respond to the subscriber’s letter titled “Emirates Flight Failings” (Feb. ’12, pg. 26).

by Lynn Remly; Hudson, OH

A tiny, picturesque country encircled by Italy, San Marino is the oldest surviving constitutional republic in the world, dating back to AD 301. It’s noted for its postage stamps and tax-free shopping.

For my son, Mark, and myself, I arranged a two-day trip to San Marino for October ’11 through Hotels.com (800/246-8357). For two people, round-trip air from Rome to Rimini, Italy, and two nights in San Marino, including breakfast, cost $1,100.

I had read about a taxi service in Bangkok, Thailand, owned by a woman, Rat Service (phone [66] 08 9108 2170, e-mail rat_bkk@yahoo.com), and decided to book her for my arrival transfer in November ’11. I contacted her a month ahead.

On our drive into central Bangkok, we talked, and I booked her for the following day for sightseeing and shopping.

I was scheduled to fly Qatar Airways from Houston, Texas, through Doha, Qatar, to Delhi, India, on Oct. 27, 2011, and then return, Mumbai-Doha-Houston, on Nov. 13.