Savvy seniors who roam the world are signed on to this free U.S. State Department program. It’s for Americans who want to keep up with the most current conditions in areas where they plan to travel.

Unfortunately, terror attacks too often interrupt travel plans. They create confusion, cancellations and delays where they happen and throughout the world. Traveling seniors should constantly utilize STEP information to be as safe as possible during their journeys.

STEP makes available all phone numbers, locations and services of U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Wherever they wander, STEP enrollees are in daily communication with the nearest U.S. facility. For more info, go to step.state.go

Are you old enough to remember Jeeves, the super-competent, snooty butler of P.G. Wodehouse stories and movies? A new service is available for travelers at SFO, and for a fee, an all-knowing Jeeves-like butler can help them with all requirements related to flight schedules and other needs.

Called Airport Butler, the services include personal security, fast check-in, airport escort and ground transportation. They can also be helpful to passengers in wheelchairs and with other physical challenges. www.airportbutler.com

Marriott and Starwood are expected to join to become one of the world’s largest hospitality corporations by the end of March. The new combo, which includes Courtyard, Ritz-Carlton and 30 other subsidiaries, will have a total of more than a million rooms.

All will be available for guests, except on that night when you and your spouse arrive exhausted at one a.m., after a grueling 18-hour, three-stop flight from Hong Kong. Smiling desk clerk: Sorry, all full up.

According to USA Today, United Airlines is redesigning its economy coach areas on their 777 aircraft for ten-across seating. Can you imagine being squished for hours in the middle of a crowded row of 300 lb. NFL defensive linesmen? Or well-padded  opera sopranos and bassos?

Of course, to accomplish it in an already tight aircraft interior, the already-small seat sizes will need to be narrowed. Not only will your flight be extremely uncomfortable, but imagine what happens when those big guys/gals and you need to get up to go to the bathroom.