Travel Briefs

By Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 10, 2001

ST. LOUIS' RIFF ON MILES DAVIS: The late trumpeter and jazz innovator Miles Davis (1926-1991) is the subject of scores of events in the St. Louis area this year to mark the 75th anniversary of his birth in nearby Alton, Ill. One highlight:

The Missouri History Museum in St. Louis has opened an 11-month-long exhibit, "Miles: A Miles Davis Retrospective." It includes his trumpet, lead sheets and scores, clothing, photos and 100 selections of music and interviews. Adult admission is $5. The exhibit is open daily; hours vary. Telephone (314) 746-4599 or visit the Web site, www.mohistory.org.

FINANCING A CRUISE: It's not the first cruise line to "float" passengers a loan, but it's the biggest: Industry giant Carnival Cruise Lines lets you finance your trip over 24 months. Interest rates start at a 9.9 percent annual percentage rate

Available for cruises departing on or after June 21, the financing is offered through MasterCard and Capital One Financial Corp., based in Virginia. It can be arranged at the same time as the cruise booking, directly or through travel agents (although borrowers must call to process the application). Call toll-free 1-800-227-6482.

Carrying about 2-million passengers a year, Florida-based Carnival is the world's largest cruise line. Smaller rival Princess Cruises, based in Los Angeles, began a cruise financing program in 1997.

NEW LIMITS ON CARRY-ON PETS: The skies have not been too friendly for traveling pets, particularly during the hot summer months.

Two-million live animals traveled by air last year, some in the cabin, others as cargo. Almost 1 percent arrived injured, according to Runzheimer Reports on Relocation, an industry newsletter.

To reduce pet losses, the Department of Agriculture introduced new regulations last spring. This was followed by a summer pet embargo by six airlines -- United, Delta, TWA, American Northwest and US Airways -- claiming it is unsafe to transport animals in hot weather.

Generally, airlines allow one pet per owner to fly in the cabin if the carrier is small enough to fit under the seat. But with cabin space at a premium, the pet may be banished to cargo, which costs much more than checking it as baggage, according to newsletter editor Nat Workman.

- Compiled from Times wires

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