Railroad and airline employes are forbidden to accept gratuities for tickets. But, during the war, experienced travelers found a legal joker which they are still using. If you have difficulty getting a reservation to New York, go up to your local ticket agent and say to him, "I bet you $20 you can't get me a compartment on the Century tomorrow." He doubtless will take you up. And, strangely enough, he will win. * * * * * Neither railroads nor inland steamship lines are curious about the lady who accompanies you into your berth, compartment or drawing room. If you pay for and buy your ticket for two, in advance, no questions are asked, nor does the line have authority to eject you if you forgot to buy her a wedding ring. (INSIDE STUFF: Though Pullman employes may request the lady you met on the train to leave your room, they seldom do.) (INSIDE STUFF: It is a felony to transport females across state lines for immoral purposes.) (INSIDE STUFF: Adultery is a felony in New York State. But there hasn't been a prosecution in more than 100 years.) Experienced travelers carry as little baggage as possible. Furthermore (especially if you're female) you'll want to buy most of your clothes in New York. Domestic airlines limit you to 40 pounds of luggage per person with a stiff surcharge for extras. Tipping is not permitted on airlines and your stewardess will be insulted if you offer her one. But you are expected to remunerate the red cap porters who carry your luggage from cab to plane or airport bus. On the contrary, your every move by train requires you to shell out. Though most amateur travelers know they are supposed to tip red caps, Pullman porters and dining-car waiters, few realize the importance of slipping the diner steward a few bucks, five at least for a couple is usual if there are several meals. Unless you have ridden with him before and he knows you give, you should hand him his as soon as you enter the diner for your first meal. At a cost of a few dollars you will change your trip, especially a long one, from an experience in inferiority to one that's at least tolerable. The non-tipper stands in line for a table, eats only what's on the menu (if still in stock) and gets the general pushing around he deserves. But for the tall tipper, the steward turns the car inside out, whispers of steaks, mountain trout, and front-riding seats and tables from which the parsimonious will be barred. The warning given all prospective voyagers in naïve old days, to beware of gamblers on trains, is no longer believed generally necessary. Human nature hasn't changed, but trains have. As already pointed out, passengers in de luxe cars keep to their rooms, whereas those who mix more are in the cheaper coach trains and therefore probably not considered bait by the predatory.