Check out the rules before holiday trips

Going away for the holidays? Now is a good time to brush up on the new rules of travel, before you leave for the airport. To help you, the federal Transportation Security Administration, which coordinates security at U.S. airports, has posted tips at the Internet site www.TSATravelTips.us.

The information is similar to what had been posted on www.tsa.gov. But it is more concise and conveniently organized, with quick links to topics such as prohibited and permitted items, travel preparation and security procedures. The list of what’s naughty and nice to carry on is neatly divided into categories such as personal items, electronic devices and sharp objects. A section called “Special Considerations” includes tips on traveling with children, pets and film.

National Airlines shuts down, refuses refunds

Passengers were left scrambling after Las Vegas-based National Airlines abruptly shut down Nov. 6. The discount airline, which ran flights between the gambling mecca and various cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, had operated under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for most of its 3 1/2 years.

The airline said it would not issue refunds. Last week on its Web site, www.nationalairlines.com, it suggested they seek refunds from their credit card companies or ask to be accommodated on other airlines. More information can be found at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/cessations/national.htm.

Snow brings early skiing to Colorado

Colorado ski resorts have pushed up their opening dates after getting early snow. Among them:

Vail Mountain moved its opening date to this weekend from Nov. 22 after record snowfalls of more than 6 feet since September, it said. Snowmass opened Nov. 9, Winter Park was to have opened last week and Aspen Mountain was to have opened Saturday.

In California, Mammoth Mountain opened Nov. 7. In the Lake Tahoe area, Alpine Meadows was to have opened Thursday and Kirkwood, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Squaw Valley on Saturday.

Taking a train through the pineapple fields

Visitors to Oahu can chug through the fruit fields of Hawaii’s Dole Plantation aboard a new diesel train.

The four-car Pineapple Express, built in England, takes tourists on a 20-minute, two-mile spin through several acres of pineapple, banana, coffee and other fields. Along the way they learn about the history of the plantation and Hawaiian agriculture. (The train tour replaces a short-lived bus tour that ended last month.)

Tours run 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for ages 4 to 12 and free for children younger than 4. The plantation is about a 40-minute drive from Waikiki, at 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway. (808) 621-8408, www.dole-plantation.com.

Traveler’s note

The State Department recently updated its earlier worldwide caution, warning of possible “retaliatory attacks against American interests overseas” after the execution of convicted terrorist Mir Aimal Kansi, scheduled last week in Virginia. Kansi, a Pakistani, was convicted in the 1993 murders of two CIA employees. The caution expires May 7.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Holiday rail trip through Canada

Looking for a last-minute holiday getaway? Rocky Mountaineer Railtours offers a two-day train trip through the Canadian Rockies starting at $339 per person, double occupancy, including all meals, one night’s lodging in Kamloops and a musical revue. Air fare is extra.

Singles pay $38 more each; the child fare, ages 2 to 11, is $135. The same trip starts at $478 per adult in peak season, June to October. The train travels about 600 miles one way between Vancouver and Banff or Calgary; the price is the same to either city. Departures are Dec. 19 and 27 eastbound and Dec. 21 and 29 westbound. (800) 665-7245 (information and reservations), www.winterrailtours.com (information only).

FREE FOR THE ASKING

The cold facts about Fairbanks

Fairbanks may not be a typical winter destination. But it’s the best season to see the aurora borealis and take in sled-dog racing and ice-sculpting contests in the Alaskan city. For a schedule of activities, order the “2002-2003 Winter Guide.” (800) 327-5774, www.explorefairbanks.com. (Select “winter” on the order form under “What time of year do you plan on visiting” and enter the brochure title under “Comments.”)