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Travel news roundup.
In the air
A second U.S. discount airline now charges for carry-on luggage, raising industry speculation that larger scheduled carriers could follow suit. Allegiant Air now levies a fee of $10 to $30 a bag for new online bookings. The fee rises to $35 if paid at the airport. Rival Spirit Airlines introduced carry-on fees in August 2010. They range from $20 to $40 each way.
Into thin air
It's insulting enough that Ryanair asked its female flight attendants to lose weight so the carrier could save fuel. But news coverage in a London tabloid added to the indignity by referring to the stewardesses as "trolley dollies." Those who slim down are being offered an "incentive" – the chance to appear on Ryanair's pin-up calendar. One employee featured on an earlier version was a former Czech porn star. In other fuel-saving measures, Ryanair is trimming its in-flight magazine and serving less ice.
On the move
Canadian travellers may be smug, but at least we're polite. A recent online survey by skyscanner.com placed Canadians near the bottom in a list of the world's rudest nationalities. The French took first place with 19 per cent of the votes. Following in order were Russians, Brits, Germans, a catch-all Others category, Chinese and Americans. Only 0.41 per cent of voters picked Canadians, tying us with New Zealanders and Indonesians. Most polite of all were the folks from the Caribbean and Brazil.
Sources: The Sun, forbes.com, Orlando Sentinel
Special to The Globe and Mail