Why the ugly truth sells better for some travel ads

New York

A CONTENTIOUS political climate has some Americans eager to escape, and a growing number of travel companies are tapping into that angst in a curiously effective way: by reminding them that travel can be cramped, hectic or disappointing.

"Take back what seat 34E took from you," one print advertisement in Westin Hotels & Resorts' new global ad campaign declares. Other ads in the new campaign, which was rolled out this month, refer to the disruption that being on the road can bring to sleep schedules and diets.