QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Question: What are the dates for the 1990 Oberammergau Passion Play, how much are tickets and where do you get them?

Answer: The play runs every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from May 21 to Sept. 28, 1990. Although the play is sold out, ticket packages costing from $180 to $275 U.S., including hotel accommodations for one to two nights, are available from travel agents.

Q: My travel agent says some airlines won’t allow me to transfer my frequent-flier points. Is this legal?

A: Such restrictions are legal, but many airlines allow transfers, although in some cases only to family members or relatives.

Q: We’d like to cruise with our children. Do all ships have baby-sitting facilities and staff for youngsters?

A: Some cruise liners offer a wide range of services tailored for tots to teens, including baby sitting and menus, available at special fares. Your agent should be able to itemize what’s available on the ship you choose.

Q: Shouldn’t the airlines give me back the tax I’ve paid on a non-refundable ticket?

A: Pending an IRS ruling, it’s up to the airline to decide because in many cases of advance purchases, the carrier may already have paid the tax to the government.

Q: We’re planning an auto vacation to the Midwest this fall. We understand that the foliage rivals New England’s. When and where are the best viewing areas?

A: Most scenic areas are in the Great Lakes region, with peak color between late September and mid-October. Among the best: Starved Rock State Park and Spoon River Scenic Drive, Ill.; Mackinac Island, Mich.; the North Shore of Lake Superior, Minn., and Great River Road, Wis.

Q: My travel agent says all cruise lines charge extra if only one person occupies a double cabin. How much is the extra charge?

A: A recent survey of 30 lines showed that nearly all charged between 50% and 100% extra. However, lines sometimes shave or eliminate such extras for singles, depending on season, number of bookings and other circumstances.