<p>We are finding that it is no longer possible (or it is nearly impossible) to book a hotel room in advance without having the entire cost immediately charged to a credit card, and without losing at least one night’s deposit if it turns-out you have to cancel, even with notice … </p>
<p>Same thing with the airlines … most airlines are now charging outrageous fees to cancel or change flights in advance. US Air now charges $150 to cancel or change a flight, and they charge an additional $100 for the privilege of applying a previous US Air credit (i.e., on a cancelled flight), toward a current purchase, bringing the total ‘change fee’ to $250. </p>
<p>And if you wait until your audition dates and times are confirmed before booking (as we are trying to do … ), the prices will only go up … </p>
<p>This is making the process of booking flight/hotel accommodations for auditions more stressful than it needs to be, but we are trying to make it through and keep the focus on the auditions themselves …</p>
<p>I understand that the current economy is making things hard for everyone, but I really wish the airlines would invoke ‘student traveler’ rules that are a little less restrictive than the general travel rules for canceling/changing flights …</p>