MESSAGE CENTER

.

Matching Airfares

BE CAREFUL to check it out before you note that "other airlines are matching" as you did a couple of weeks ago when you cited JetBlue's $49 fares to Florida destinations [Bargain of the Week, Jan. 7].

I checked US Airways, and it indeed had a $49 flight to FLL. But guess what? The return leg was $149, putting the round-trip fare back up to around the non-discounted rate. On JetBlue the fare was $49 each way, for a total of $118, including taxes.

John Donnelly, Reston

United Steps Up

IN 2006, you had numerous stories of poor service by United Airlines at Dulles Airport. I was one of the many who missed a flight, and lost out on a vacation, because there were not enough United check-in employees, especially for people with luggage. After bad-mouthing United to anyone who would listen, I feel I must commend them on their improved service.

With trepidation I took my daughter to a United flight in early January, making sure we arrived two hours early. To my astonishment, United now has employees at the entrance to every line. They check tickets, answer questions and guide passengers to the right place. When you get to the head of the line, there is another employee telling you which counter to go to. Last year you were lucky to find a single agent in the ticket area. I praised everyone I could.

Those employees I talked to who endured last spring and summer said they had been screaming for help. Well, United has provided the help. Customer service -- what a great idea. I write this letter to thank them and to let them know we're watching to make sure the new employees remain.

Margaret McDonald, Bethesda

Where the Snow Is

I ENJOYED the article about Denver and Breckenridge [Skiing 101, Jan. 21], but you had some misinformation and misdirection.

To begin with, there is no such place as Breckenridge Mountain. Breckenridge is in the Ten Mile Range, and the ski resort is on Peaks 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the Ten Mile Range.

Peak 1 is in Frisco, at the beginning of the Ten Mile Range. The elevation of Peak 8 is 12,998 feet, and the town of Breckenridge is at 9,600 feet. If you travel 90 minutes northeast of Denver, you will be in the plains, but if you travel 90 minutes west on Interstate 70, you'll reach Breckenridge, in the Rocky Mountains.

You are correct about the snow sculptures. It is amazing to see the artistic productions created from a single 20-ton block of snow. And Breckenridge does a wonderful job celebrating Mardi Gras.