hi all

bad developments on the travel front. Seems now that the airlines can compete on published prices, and then nail you on the fees for food, blankets and baggage. I've been flying for years and suddenly United wants me to pay $125 to check my cello as baggage. US Airways has VERY ambiguous rules that might cost us $150 per flight. I've even been forced to purchase a seat for my cello on US, upon arrival at the airport. Northwest now charges $100, and Southwest $50.

If this matters to you, PLEASE write a letter to one or more airlines that you tend to use. I have written to United and US Airways, and I think if they receive dozens of letters about starving artists and supporting the arts, they might relent. If no one says anything, they surely won't.