Travel Roundup: Boston's Higher Hotel Taxes, Harrah's Casino Meth Lab, Ryanair Cuts Flights and More

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Boston wants higher hotel and restaurant taxes — Boston’s Mayor Thomas M. Menino wants to tax hotels and restaurants more to raise revenue for his cash-strapped city. Menino is proposing a 2 percent rise in hotel tax, to a total of 14.45 percent in state and city taxes, and raising the meal tax another .75 percent, to 7 percent. The new taxes would go into effect Oct. 1 if passed. The mayor’s proposal is expected to be sent before the City Council next week. [Source: Boston Globe]

Harrah’s Mississippi casino hotel room turned meth lab — Four people are facing charges after authorities discovered a methamphetamine lab in a room at the Tunica, Miss. Sheraton Hotel and Casino. The discovery was made after the room’s fire alarm was activated around 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and guests were evacuated. Harrah’s Entertainment, owner of the hotel casino, said the room would be completely renovated. [Source: WREG-TV]

Ryanair to cut 670 flights a week — Bargain flier Ryanair plans to cut 670 flights a week, including 10 routes, but refused to specify which routes they would be. It will move some operations from England to Spain, which is getting rid of airport landing fees this winter to keep tourists flowing into the country. [Source: The Times (U.K.)]

Northwest and Delta add $5 surcharge — Northwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines added a $5 surcharge on for the first two checked bags on domestic flights unless fees are prepaid online. The move is similar to surcharge by Continental, US Airways and United Airlines. Delta and Northwest already charge $15 for the first checked bag and $25 for the second. The new $5 surcharge will apply to tickets purchased after July 16 for travel on or after August 4. [Source: Seattle Times]

Tags: Surcharge, Harrah, Menino, Mayor, Taxes, Free Trade, Personal Finance, Financial Planning, Finance, Barbara E. Hernandez

Bay Area resident and award-winning business journalist Barbara E. Hernandez has covered tourism, real estate and personal finance. Her clients include the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post.

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