This was published 5 years ago
Readers' tips: How I got to fly business class in Italy
TIP OF THE WEEK: GOAL DRIVEN
After reading Darshak Mehta's letter (Tip-o-meter, January 6) about his dealing with Italian highway patrol officers, I wanted to suggest a great way I discovered to deal with such overzealous authorities in Europe.
Having a world air ticket enabling a change to the pre-booked itinerary, I confidently approached the airline desk at Milan Airport in Italy with the intention of changing my itinerary to fly to London.
The manager dismissed my claim but reluctantly and with an aggressive attitude, took me to his office to contact the airline. At his desk, I overheard soccer commentary on a nearby radio, the word Maradona being mentioned over and over.
Grasping an opportunity, l mentioned colourfully, "Maradona! Great player!"
The managers eyes lit up, "ahh Maradona," he replied, "AC Milan!"
To which I replied, "Ahh, AC Milan!! Great club."
His manner changed abruptly. "Would you like a whisky?," he asked "Yes, of course", I replied. Then, on confirming with the airline, he advised, "there is no problem with the flight change. Would you like to fly business class?"
The manager then, to the amazement of staff and fellow travellers, proceeded to walk me through check-in and customs to the plane door.
There I was, sitting in business class, wondering what in the world had just happened, and thanking my lucky stars for the "Great" Maradona and the international language of sport.
Stephen Yeates, Dee Why, NSW
HOME SWEET HOME SWAP
In case you have not heard of Home Exchange, check it out. Two days ago I returned from four weeks in Munich while the owner of the wonderful apartment in Munich spent the same time in my small abode in Sydney.
It was a dream come true, no accommodation costs involved and the most magic time with my family. These memories will last forever. Try it.
Andrea Pulati, Rushcutters Bay, NSW
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT
I have driven hire cars in Italy extensively without worrying about an International Driving Permit (IDP) (Tip-o-meter January 6). But it appears that there has been a crackdown to enforce the IDP requirement since last year.
When I hired a car for a weekend in November, from Sicily by Car in Perugia, I was told in the confirmation email that I must have an IDP. When I picked up the car, I was asked to show it as well.
When I replied that I didn't have one, and didn't think I needed one because it had never happened in the past, I had to sign a declaration saying that the car hire firm had informed me of the requirement and that fines of up to €1500 could be charged if I was caught without it by the police.
So, my tip is to get an IDP, you can obtain one from a state-based motoring association before you head overseas.
Nicholas Siebold, Mosman NSW
DON'T HAVE A NICE DAY
Your correspondent's tales of woe for Australians travelling through US points of entry (Tip-o-meter, January 6) shows that nothing is improving.
Two years ago my wife and I took a cruise to Hawaii and back and Honolulu was our entry point to the US. Everyone, even crew staying onboard, had to fill out the entry form and have it validated by US officials aboard before we could go ashore.
As we had been to Hawaii before and had no tours booked, we waited in our cabin for an hour or so.
I then went down to suss out the wait time and I was astounded to see the halt, the lame and the elderly, many with walking aids, in a queue that one person told me they had been in for an hour and a half. Every other country we entered on our trip was seamless.
Lance Dover, Pretty Beach, NSW
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