Traveller letters: Overweight airline passengers, it's not 'fat shaming' it's physics

I was in Munich on Saturday June 24, and was trying to decide between going to Fussen for the kings' castles or to Berchtesgaden, and had worked out the train connections for both (I was leaning towards Fussen). Then I read "Castle fit for a king" in that day's edition of Traveller, which decided me.

How often does a travel recommendation have such an immediate effect?

The castle tours really push their customers through the rooms, with the tours lasting just 20 minutes each. The audio guides are almost useless – with as many as 60 people crowded in a relatively small space it's usually not possible to see what is being described at the time.

I'd advise people to ignore the audio guides, and linger at the end of your group and look at the room as your group leaves (you won't have much time to savour the room, because there's also another large group following you).

I visited the castles in 1982, and the tours have definitely changed, as the numbers of visitors have increased enormously. Back then, there were real human guides and the groups were smaller.

However, I still think it's well worth a visit. Not visiting the castles wouldn't have been much of a loss. I sort of regret not visiting the Maria Bridge (the sign to it on the breathtaking climb to Neuschwanstein indicated that it was a 40-minute walk, which probably would have been a better use of the time).

Know in advance what you want to see, and don't set your expectations too high when you visit a place, and you won't be disappointed.

Wayne Robinson, Kingsley, WA

SMOKES AND MIRRORS

I can remember travelling when I was younger and the enjoyment of duty-free shopping. My recent travel experiences tell me that apart from cigarettes and some alcohol, all duty-free, regardless of the airport, is a total rip-off. It would appear although the "duty" may have been removed, a larger profit has been added.

Peter Miniutti, Ashbury, NSW

This may be a record. Landing this week after a three-leg flight from Stockholm to Brisbane, it took my wife and me just 23 minutes from plane door to footpath. That included pre-ordered duty-free pick up, Smart Gate immigration, "Something to declare" customs and the obligatory toilet stop.

We didn't even have time to read the signs saying abusive behaviour will not be tolerated. We have travelled extensively and this was the best welcome home yet.

Stephen Cullen, Red Hill, QLD

BADLY HANDLED

Diana Lynch's positive experience with baggage damaged in flight (Traveller letters, June 10) is in complete contrast with my experience with Air Asia.

A flight to Kuala Lumpur in February resulted in my suitcase arriving with the handle missing. Initially my complaint was handled very efficiently with forms filled in and much concern shown.

I heard nothing from Air Asia for several months until I sent off a follow up email only to be told that there will be no compensation. Another month of emails expressing my displeasure with this outcome has got me nowhere.

Gary Gibbs, Rozelle NSW

LEAVE IT OFF

I wholeheartedly agree with your letter of the week from Maggie Parker (Traveller letters, June 17). My husband and I have done a fair amount of flying this past few months, having been to Britain twice.

We experienced copious amounts of hand baggage on these international flights too. Domestic flights to Perth and Melbourne were just as bad, if not worse. Airlines need to get a hold on the way passengers take advantage. We manage, why can't others?

Helen Wood, Como, NSW

LIGHT AND SHADE

We have had the seat-reclining debate in Traveller letters, but how about window blinds? When the flight attendant instructs you to pull down the window blind in the middle of the day, as I find is common, "because people want to sleep", do you have the right to refuse?

I ask for a window seat because I like to look out.

Ian Woodforth, Mosman, NSW

CONTINENTAL DRIFT

The author of your cover story "Arise, the tiny titans" (Traveller, June 24) talks of Armenia as "one of Europe's best kept secrets". Armenia's history might be one of Europe's (and Turkey's) dirtier secrets but the country lies south of the Caucasus, which puts it, like Georgia to its north, firmly in Asia.

Ian Bowie, Bowral NSW

BLAST FROM THE PAST

A Traveller article from two years ago by Barry Divola inspired me to such an extend that last month my wife and I went to the US looking for a guy mentioned in the article, a Sylvester Hoover.

We found him and spent an afternoon hearing his stories of black struggle and the roots of blues music in the delta. This is a different angle to Barry's article but by publishing his story, you opened the door for me. It was an experience I will never forget. So I wanted to say thank you.

In fact, I cut out Barry's article and took it with me. When I showed it to Sylvester, you should have seen his eyes light up. He asked if he could keep it and of course I said yes.

So, Traveller, you're now you're famous in the Mississippi Delta.

Julian Neylan, Dulwich Hill, NSW

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