CUT-PRICE OLYMPICS

Beijing was bracing itself for a flood of visitors for the Olympic Games, which start in 12 days’ time – but booking numbers have fallen so far short of expectations that hotels in the Chinese capital are being forced to cut their standard rates by up to 30%, according to local travel agents. The bargains are mainly confined to two- and three-star hotels: the city’s poshest places to stay have been heavily booked by Olympic officials, says the China Hotel Management Association.

RYANAIR STILL FLOUTING RULES

The no-frills airline Ryanair has blamed a fault on its website for the continued presence of air fares that exclude taxes and charges. Last year, the Office of Fair Trading ruled that all airlines should include “fixed, nonoptional” costs in published prices, instead of enticing customers by advertising minimum fares, then adding extras such as fuel surcharges, baggage fees and departure taxes later in the transaction. Ryanair said it had complied, but a key page on its site still omits the extra charges. The airline says it is trying to fix the problem, which, it explains, is due to “high use of the site”.

HOLIDAY NOW, PAY LATER

In these uncertain times, the exclusive travel firm ITC Classics is offering easier payment terms to its well-heeled clients. The company, which specialises in holidays to the world’s most expensive resorts, has launched a direct-debit payment service that allows travellers to spread the cost of a holiday across 10 months.

SPENDING A COSTLY PENNY

A passenger is facing a hefty fine after being thrown off a Jet2 flight from Palma to Newcastle for using the toilet while cabin crew were giving a safety briefing. Refusing requests to take his seat, the passenger, from Tyneside, became abusive and was ejected from the flight to jeers from fellow passengers, who then faced a delay of 1½ hours while his luggage was removed from the flight.

THAT’S NOT MY PASSPORT

Officials at the Identity & Passport Service (IPS) have ordered an investigation after a British woman succeeded in travelling home from Turkey with the wrong passport. Hazel Ellaby, from Ashton-under-Lyne, was given another guest’s passport as she checked out of her hotel, but managed to pass undetected through four separate checks, including immigration at Manchester airport.

Beijing Olympic Games news

Times recommends

• Oasis of the Seas: the Times review
• The 20 best new year party places to stay
• Green Spaces 2009: are you the winning writer?