American Airlines recently announced it will no longer offer lower prices for passengers who must take last-minute flights due of a death and funeral in the family. According to AA, the step is to conform with the existing no-bereavement policy of merger partner US Airways.

Actually, for seasoned citizen flyers and others likely to need such hurry-up flights, this new rule may not be as inconvenient as it appears. With savvy travel agents and/or expert personal internet surfing, flyers needing last-minute tickets can often get better prices with Southwest, Virgin America and other budget airlines.

www.latimes.com/business/money/la-fi-mo-american-airlines-ends-bereavement-fares-20140227,0,1676004.story#axzz2uZ4IHRBO

Are you worried that drones and security cameras now follow your every move? Here’s a new spy-on-you service you’ll actually enjoy. Google and several hotel chains now offer travelers advance photoramas of their rooms, to arrive days before check-in. Guests are able to view it all on computers, tablets and smartphones.

Best Western International has launched Google Business Photos for all 2,200 of its North American hotels. Additionally, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, parent company of Radisson, Radisson Blu, and Country Inns & Suites, already have their pilot program in place in its hotels in Chicago, Miami and Washington, D.C.

Google Business Photos are 360-degree tours powered by Google Street technology. Many businesses have used the technology for security, repair, construction and other applications since it was introduced several years ago. Of course, it won’t be too long before just about every hotel in the world will offer this room preview service.

For more information, go to www.usatoday.com/story/travel/...google-business-photos/4115185

We’re not lion when we say Vegas may not be healthy for your wallet. However, there’s a new upscale trend at the MGM Grand to make guests feel healthy. The lion-themed resort originally designated 42 rooms as individual health spas.

Now there are 171 upgraded spa rooms and suites offered as Stay Well accommodations. Designed by health expert Delos, the Cleveland Clinic and Dr. Deepak Chopra, guests enjoy more than a dozen health enhancements.

Certain to help senior visitors after a tough day at the casino, they include long-wave soothing night lights, hypoallergenic bedding, Vitamin C showers, air purification and jet-lag easing energizing lights. Single room rates start at a modest $72 a night. For booking and other information, go to www.mgmgrand.com

Good news for senior roadies, RVers and other roamers who won’t leave Rover nor Fido at home when visiting the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The upscale resort offers programs that treat beloved family canines to the kinds of lush luxury only Sin City can provide.

The services include gourmet dog food, fresh bottled water, chewy toys, canine candy, pet sitting, escorted strolling and duty calls in a nearby pet park. Additionally, for the ultimate in pampering, owners and four-legged best friends can enjoy shared sessions of massage therapy.

Sorry, cat people, all of these beastly luxuries at Trump Las Vegas are for dogs only. For more info and fees, go to www.trumphotelcollection.com