Doggone! It happened to us. Not too long ago, among the last passengers boarding a flight, we dragged a couple of wheeled bags along the coach section aisle.

We, along with the usual bumping and cussing, tried to squeeze them in the already stuffed overhead. Then, a harried flight attendant told us and several others to give up, get back to the airport desk and check our big, fat carry-ons. Grumbling, we had to comply.

The TSA Cares program assists travelers with disabilities, fragile advanced age and medical conditions, including those in wheelchairs. To use the service when you arrive at the airport, call TSA at least 72 hours before your flight.

Ask how to prepare for airport screening and other info that will make your travel easier. The toll-free number is 1-855-787-2227. If you believe it necessary, include in your call a request for a TSA Passenger Support Specialist to be at the airport in person to help you through check-in.

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