Author: Christopher Elliott, Special to USA TODAY

Appealing to a company’s sense of fairness may be the best way to remove a checked-baggage fee or resort fee.

In surveys, airline passengers say kids are their top annoyance. It’s all about to ratchet up a notch for the busy holiday travel period.

Knowing who owns the hotel, minding the mandatory fees, and knowing where to book can save you a lot of holiday hassles.

Book early. Give yourself a little extra time at the airport or on the road. Prepare for bad weather. But more than anything, be kind to others.

Travelers who want to get to their destinations faster need to take risks, says Rob Katz, the CEO of Vail Resorts.