Um - the ones where DC is the epicenter of the Inauguration influx.

How about some hard numbers (instead of fluff pieces) on what's going on with the hotels and rental cars and such?

The Post has an entire blog devoted to the inauguration, chasmosaur, and the coverage has been fantastic. Check it out.

Yes, I know, I've been reading it. Great if you want to know about local transportation on the day (And Dr. Gridlock is doing a better job than the Inauguration section) or read about people getting out of town.

But how are the local airports gearing up for a potential influx? Is TSA doing anything in particular?

Or hey, here's an interesting issue: how is National now dealing with the closing of the stretch of GW Parkway on Inauguration Day that runs right in front of it's major access point? What does that mean for people who had business flights in and out on the 20th? Or weather-delayed flights that don't get in until the morning of the Inauguration? It's gonna make Crystal City a nightmare - did the Airport Authority have any say-so in closing down their main access road?

How about the stories I've heard about hotels and rental car companies arbitrarily upping rates on reservations previously made at lower rates? Is that just rumor? If not, is it allowed?

Were there any Inauguration travel packages internationally, considering the joy exhibited around the world upon the news of Obama's election win?

There are all sorts of actual travel stories that aren't covered by other parts of WaPo that could be covered here.

We used hotel.de, an online service, to search for a hotel room in Berlin. They require you to give your credit card number before they will search. First they emailed they had a room at the Belmondo. Minutes later, they emailed that the room was unavailable. We were in a train station internet point and were unable to print or save emails. Weeks later, we were charged $283 for "no show." Hotel.de has not responded to numerous calls, emails, and a fax. Visa is requiring that we go through hotel.de and will not help. Any ideas on how to pursue this ripoff? Thanks.

I'm afraid I agree with Chasmosaur1 on the travel stories that could be covered here. There is so much information out there and this blog can give people a chance to discuss some of it. I am aware that there have been cutbacks and some people have left the staff, but this could be a helpful site for so much more than it currently is being used for.

At a reader's suggestion, I have recontacted Citibank Visa about the hotel.de/Belmondo rip off. Their policy is that an email from a hotel (or anyine else) cancelling a reservation is not proof!! No reversal of charges. You have to go physically to the hotel and get something in writing. Citibank says this is a Visa Int'l policy and they cannot do anything about it. Who knew?