In the 80s, 90s and early 00s, your travel4seniors.com editor went with my spouse to Sin City four or five times a year. Because we always stayed at our favorite Strip hotel, the room and some buffets were comped.

We were modest gamblers, usually limiting ourselves to $2 blackjack tables and 25¢ video poker machines. We played for about six hours each day. While we were in the casino, whether gambling or at the bar, our drinks were free.

Remember “Out To Sea”, the final movie comedy made in 1997 by long-time actor pals Walter Matthew and Jack Lemmon? The characters got a free sailing for signing on as male escorts with a single women’s cruise. As hilariously improbable as the plot may seem, the practice still flourishes today on both ocean and river cruises.

If you’re a senior bachelor or widower and would enjoy a free cruise, check with your travel agent and various cruise line websites for upcoming escort opportunities. Of course, the requirements for prospective escorts are a bit strict. You must be an excellent ballroom dancer, in good physical condition, provide references and possess the appropriate wardrobe.

You’re required to restrict evening closeness with feminine dance partners only within the ship’s ballroom. And never, never attempt to heat up the dancing in a private stateroom, lifeboat or other hide-away area.

There’s growing concern of potential terrorist explosives built into portable computers. To protect westbound flights, the Department of Homeland Security now requires that laptop-size computers must be inspected and checked with baggage.

This adds to the ban already in place for flights to the USA from airports in North Africa and the Middle East. Therefore, if you’re planning to use a computer when returning from European flights, bring along a smartphone with all the features necessary for work or play. Or if you’re really old-fashioned, a good book and/or several print magazines.

Veteran of 21 years flying with Southwest, Captain John Charles Ritchie, shared the occasion with a surprised passenger in her cabin seat. In addition to offering champagne, the pilot personally reimbursed her for the price of her ticket.

Then, with a sweet smile on his face, he grabbed the passenger, dragged her down the aisle and tossed her off the flight. Oooops, wait a minute. I’m wrong! That happened on several other airlines recently, but not on Southwest.