Letters: Las Vegas is a good bet

Regarding “A Cultural Jackpot,” March 4: If ever there was a topic that’s right for a particular section of the Sunday paper, it has to be Las Vegas, particularly those stories on the new Smith Center for the Performing Arts, restaurants with new vegan menus, a dissertation on pinball machines and 21 things to do while in Vegas on a shoestring budget. I go there because of what Vegas is and the possibility I might have fun gambling. (I would like to alter a current popular saying: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, including my money.”) No. 19 on the list of 21 things to do: going to Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and hearing Big Elvis. He is so good it’s almost like listening to the King himself.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach

Loved the 21 things to do for under $21 by Mary Forgione [March 4]. As a longtime visitor to Las Vegas, I suggest two more things to do for free: First, visitors can stand next to $1 million in cash and get a free souvenir picture to prove it, courtesy of Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel (www.binions.com/million_dollar_photo.php).The new display requires guests to be at least 21 to take the photo. Second, the beautiful Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which changes seasonally, is always a winner (current exhibit: 2012 Spring Celebration, March 11-May 13). What a tranquil place. If you’re like me, you appreciate a respite, which means blocking out the sounds of slot machines and enjoying smoke-free air. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week (https://www.bellagio.com/attractions/botanical-garden.aspx. Isn’t Las Vegas a thrilling place to visit?

David Tulanian

Los Angeles

Regarding “What’s the Culprit in Jet Lag,” by Catharine Hamm [On the Spot, Feb. 26]: One way to avoid jet lag is to arrive when the sun is shining and stay outside while the sun goes down. This will reset your biological clock to the local time. There was an article about this technique in Science magazine at least 10 years ago, and it works for me. I also avoid flights longer than about seven hours. Why rush to Europe and be out of sorts for a few days, when an overnight stopover on the East Coast will allow you to arrive in good condition.

Dana L. Roth

Pasadena

The recommendation from Pat O’Daniels of Pismo Beach that tourists in Italy will find it simpler and cheaper to get to Capri from the ferry in Sorrento was correct [Letters, March 4], but travelers should be sure to have small denominations of euros. My wife and I found that many of the clerks at the ticket windows will claim to have no change, and you’ll be stuck overpaying for your ticket. Also, be sure to check your Sorrento city map; finding the ferry boarding site can be daunting.

Russell Cooper-Mead

Granada Hills

I just encountered a problem with American Airlines’ code-share partner British Airways. I booked a trip from LAX to Geneva, Switzerland, through Heathrow in July, using American’s reservation system. It says “operated by British Airways.”

What it doesn’t say is that if you want a seat assignment more than seven days in advance — and for the transatlantic legs of the travel, I definitely want an aisle — one has to pay British Airways for the privilege.

I have no problem paying for something I want, but I should have been told in advance that I would have to pay to reserve a seat rather than find out after I had paid for the reservation.

If I had known it was going to cost me an extra $38 each way to choose my seat in advance — and I’m an AAvantage Gold member — I might have chosen a different airline. I have Premier and Elite status on other carriers. Live and learn. But there ought to be a law.

Daniel Fink

Beverly Hills