This was published 8 years ago
Traveller letters: $268 for allocated seats? You got to be kidding
AIRING A GRIEVANCE
In May we booked an overseas tour to Europe with Japan Airlines, with which we have travelled several times. On this occasion, because of code-sharing, our return leg from London to Tokyo was with British Airways. We were astounded to be told that, despite booking – and paying for – business class, no seats could be allocated until 24 hours before the departure time.
This was 1.30pm on a Saturday in London, where we had already booked two back-to-back tours, which would have made it impossible for us to get online. On ringing BA we were told, however, that we could get allocated seats if we paid a fee, which very reluctantly we did (and we haven't stop fuming ever since).
It was $268 – an outrageous charge. We will never fly with them again. What's more, the cabin configuration and service in business class with Japan Airlines was definitely better.
Helen Painter, Bolton Point, NSW
MIND YOUR LANGUAGE
Like Matt Read (Traveller Letters, August 8-9), we also have just returned from a two-week trip to Japan. His experience was in total contrast to ours. Japan makes every effort to assist foreign tourists navigate their way around. The rail system is a treat to use both on the metro system in Tokyo and the fast trains between cities.
All station names are shown in English, train lines are colour coded to assist in finding your way around and maps in English are everywhere. We saw plenty of English signs at airports, shrines we visited at Kyoto, the atomic bomb memorial park in Hiroshima, shopping centres and hotels.
We found the Japanese people to be very courteous, helpful and willing to assist us. Sometimes it was hard to communicate when ordering at restaurants, but some of our best meals were had were when we relied on the recommendations made to us.
A lasting memory was being offered a seat by a very old lady on the crowded Metro. The manners of the Japanese people are amazing and we in Australia could learn much from them.
Jeff Garnet, Box Hill, Vic
I'm always amazed at the number of English-speaking people who expect everyone else in the world to speak their language but make little effort to learn other languages themselves. I don't see a proliferation of Japanese signs at Sydney Airport and certainly no Japanese staff to help these visitors with their problems.
Perhaps Matt Read should only travel in Britain, New Zealand and North America.
Judy Burer, Palm Beach, NSW
Matt Read from Kinglake, Victoria: I just got back to Melbourne after visiting Kinglake and surrounds, and I don't recall seeing any signs in any language other than English. I have never experienced a town as tourist-unfriendly!
Bill Beauie, Alphington, Vic
HUME SWEET HUME
Two weeks ago we drove from Melbourne to Sydney and return. The Hume Freeway no longer passes through any towns. The only stopping places (unless you leave the freeway) are service stations with various fast-food outlets attached. On the outskirts of Gundagai, NSW, a sign appeared with a cardboard chip carton filled with green beans and the sign "Olivers Real Food".
We pulled off at the Dog on the Tuckerbox and there was Olivers, clean and bright. It served everything from fresh juice, salads, sushi, sandwiches, soup and plastic boxes with food for small children, such fruit, sultanas, cheese block, Vegemite sandwich or sushi rolls.
We enjoyed a delicious sandwich with good coffee and continued on our way north and morning tea on our return. We recommend you try to schedule a stop there.
Robyn Whitehouse, High Camp, Vic
PLANE SIMPLE
Why can't airlines corral passengers into seat and row order before boarding instead of a line snaking all over the terminal? They could page rows, say 45-50, in one area and then boarding passes could be checked to allow those in window seats on first to avoid people climbing over each other. Orderly boarding would enable window-seat passengers to get their bags in the overhead lockers and avoid stopping all other passengers moving down the aisles.
Many airlines allow passengers in, say, the 15 rows at the back on first but this creates a log jam when three passengers in the first row hold up others going further down the aircraft. Tiger lessen the problem with rows 1-15 using the front door and rows 16 and above the back door. Sure you have to walk on the tarmac but it is quicker overall.
With some planning we could all be on the plane quicker, with less anguish and making the trip slightly less of a hassle.
Lindsay Somerville, Lindfield, NSW
LETTER OF THE WEEK
I agree totally with the Tripologist (Traveller, August 8-9) regarding credit cards versus debit cards. But be careful using your credit card when checking into hotels. Recently in California, I used my credit card for an imprint, as requested, intending to pay with my debit card. Imagine my horror when I checked out and was given my account, fully paid with my credit card.
You would think there would be an opportunity to check the account first. My complaint to the Choice Hotel staff fell on deaf ears, as did complaints to head office on my return. The cost of the transaction plus differential in currency rate from my debit card versus credit card – I locked in a good rate some months earlier – would have almost paid for a meal in their overpriced restaurant.
Michael Webb, Cromer, NSW
WE WELCOME YOUR TRAVEL-RELATED OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES
The writer of the letter judged the best of the week will receive a Lonely Planet prize pack valued at almost $90, it includes The World's Best Brunches, The World's Best Spicy Food and The World's Best Street Food. See www.lonelyplanet.com Letters may be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Preference will be given to letters of 50-100 words or less. Email us at travellerletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au and, importantly, include your name, address and phone number.
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