Traveler’s Notes ...

Americans who need to get a passport from a U.S. Embassy or consulate in a foreign country must allow extra time, the State Department advised. That’s because the passports, incorporating new security features such as digitized images, are being issued only at the National Passport Processing Center in Portsmouth, N.H., rather than abroad. U.S. embassies will continue to issue emergency passports good for a limited period.... A cocktail lounge and deli outfitted with 48 data port jacks and outlets for laptop computers has opened at Terminal 4 at LAX. Customers can also recharge their cell phones and personal digital assistants for free at Travel Right Cafe.... Travelocity.com has dropped a $10 booking fee it imposed on United Airlines tickets last month at its Internet site, www.travelocity.com.