Fliers get extended benefit

Congress has extended a law to make healthier airlines pick up the slack if bankrupt carriers stick travelers with worthless tickets.

The measure, included in an intelligence reform bill that received final approval in the Senate earlier this month, extended the protection through Nov. 19.

The ticket provision requires stronger carriers, on a space-available basis, to accommodate passengers whose travel plans are disrupted by another airline that goes out of business. Fees are capped at $50 per round trip.

Another section of the bill added butane lighters to the list of items that passengers are forbidden to carry aboard an airline. The lighters are still allowed in checked bags.

Times Wire Services

It’s OK to smile, really

Clarifying new guidelines, the U.S. State Department said passport applicants could smile in their photos, despite some media reports to the contrary.

“The State Department does not frown on smiling,” said Angela Aggeler, a spokeswoman for its Bureau of Consular Affairs. But a grimace or a “huge toothy grin that might distort features,” she added, could cause a passport photo to be rejected.

Officials are looking for a “natural expression” that looks like the passport holder, Aggeler said.

For guidelines on acceptable passport photos, visit travel.his.com/passport/pptphotos.

-- James Gilden

Casino resort triples rooms, adds spa

Continuing the winning streak of Indian-owned casinos in California, Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort near Escondido is tripling in size two years after opening.

The resort, owned by the Rincon San Luiseno Band of Mission Indians and managed by the Harrah’s chain, plans to open 453 more rooms in a new 21-story tower Monday, plus two more swimming pools with tropical gardens, three Jacuzzis, a new grand lobby, a new restaurant and a spa with 10 treatment rooms.

The resort is sold out Dec. 22 through New Year’s, said spokeswoman Kathy Swank. Regular room rates start at $69 per night, midweek. (877) 777-2457, www.harrahs.com.

Gearing up for wireless

Avis Rent a Car System Inc. is installing SBC wireless service at dozens of its airport business centers, giving renters high-speed Internet connections to their personal digital assistants and laptop computers.

Customers can pay $19.95 per month or $7.95 for walk-up daily access to the service, which is expected to be available at up to 88 Avis outlets by early next year.

It was scheduled to be installed at the San Jose and St. Louis airport outlets last week and at Oakland this week.