Travel Briefs | Mexico City airport attacks spur security

Mexico has assigned 100 more federal police officers to the Mexico City airport following a series of assaults on travelers after they exchanged money. Five of the victims have been foreigners, including a French scientist who was killed last month. Federal Police official Brig. Gen. Alfredo Fregoso says the reinforcement brings to 500 the number of federal officers patrolling the Mexico City airport. Prosecutors say at least 18 people who were recently robbed outside the airport were apparently followed after exchanging money inside. The French scientist was robbed and shot by assailants who intercepted his car after he left the airport.

Moscow hotels are world's most costly

For the fourth consecutive year, Moscow hotels have won the dubious honor of being the most expensive in the world, followed by lodgings in New York, Paris and Mumbai, India, according to the annual Hogg Robinson Group hotel survey. The average room rate in Moscow last year was $420 per night, the survey showed. New York City lodgings charged an average of $413 per night in 2008.

Avoiding the spring-break crowds

For the best prices and smallest crowds, avoid traveling during school holidays. Many schools this year have spring breaks between March 23 and April 13. That's when you don't want to be in Disneyland or other theme parks — if school-age children aren't dictating your travel dates.

One of the best times to travel is a place's "shoulder season," just before or after the high season when the weather is still good, but crowds have thinned and prices have dropped. You'll have to do a bit of research to pinpoint a place's shoulder season, but common sense will get you started. Cities in Europe, for example, get the most visitors in summer and prices start declining in September.

Southwest Airlines tests in-flight Internet

Southwest Airlines is testing Internet access aboard one of its jets. The test will last a few months and eventually include four aircraft. Passengers can log on for free using a laptop or smart phone, connecting via a satellite link. American Airlines and other carriers are testing Web access through ground-based signals.

A garden party in London

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew near London is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding this year. What began in 1759 as a 9-acre garden is now an internationally renowned 300-acre wonderland. Highlights include a Darwin Now exhibit exploring the naturalist's life and legacy. www.kew.org

US Airways charges for pillow, blanket

If you want a pillow and blanket in coach on US Airways, it will cost $7. The airline will start charging for its "Power-Nap Sack" on Monday. It's following the lead of JetBlue Airways, which began a similar charge last summer. Airlines have added fees as they battle a downturn in travel caused by the recession.

Seattle Times staff and news services