QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS : Frequent Flier Club Members Can Get Upgrades

Question: Must I belong to a frequent flier program to obtain upgrades?

Answer: Airlines generally limit this privilege to their frequent flier members. It’s possible to sign up before flight time at the airport and, if there’s space available, you’ll be upgraded. Some carriers may charge a small fee or deduct some of your accumulated mileage.

Q: Are there any farms on the West Coast that offer summer accommodations for families?

A: A number of farms and ranches welcome family vacationers. For detailed listings, two good books are “Farm, Ranch and Country Vacations” by Pat Dickerman ($12, includes handling charges), and “Ranch Vacations” by Eugene Kilgore ($22). Both can be ordered by calling (800) 252-7899.

Q: What’s the cost of viewing the America’s Cup finals aboard official spectator boats? A: Space, in May, on the authorized boats costs $150 to $200. Call the America’s Cup Organization Committee at (800) 922-8792 for tickets and brochures of race-viewing packages.

Q: Where can I obtain information about traveling with pets?

A: Among current literature is a directory listing 3,000 hotels and motels that permit pets, plus 1,000 veterinarians and pet-sitters: “Pets-R-Permitted,” $8.95 plus $1.95 shipping from ACI, Box 66006, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265, (515) 224-4872. Also helpful is “Air Travel for Your Dog and Cat,” $1 from Air Transport Assn. Publications, 1709 New York Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006-5206, (202) 626-4050.

Q: Does every airline offer senior citizen discounts as well as for companions, and what is the age requirement?

A: All major airlines offer senior discounts, usually 10%, for persons 62 and over, as well as for companions of any age.

Q: Does Bermuda still ban autos for tourists?

A: Visitors can’t rent autos or vans in Bermuda. Transportation is by mopeds, bicycles, taxis, buses, ferries and horse-drawn carriages.

Q: We’re interested in a Rocky Mountain dude ranch vacation. Where can I get information and do they have family rates?

A: A number of Colorado dude ranches will operate this summer. Weekly rates per adult run from about $625 to $1,400. Family rates for four average between $200 and $3,000. For details, call the Colorado Dude Ranch and Guest House Assn. at (800) 441-6060.