This was published 7 years ago
Traveller letters: Airline's amazing customer service for sick passenger
SOUTHERN COMFORT
On a recent trip to South America, my husband became ill after a flight into Bogota, Columbia. He was treated first at a medical facility at the airport, then transported by ambulance to hospital.
During these 12 hours, we had a LAN airlines [now known as LATAM] representative with us. When he was discharged at 2.30am the rep took us by taxi to a hotel, paid for by the airline.
The following day, we were escorted into the plane for a flight to Santiago, where the crew checked on him constantly. The ground crew in Santiago located missing luggage and arranged a hotel and taxi – all paid for by LAN. Without their care and support, a difficult situation would have been even more distressing.
Jocelyn Lawson, South Yarra, VIC
LETTER OF THE WEEK
With a husband who finds it difficult to switch off from technology I am always on the hunt for remote destinations untainted by modernity so I welcomed Ben Groundwater's great suggestions in his cover story, "No calls of the wild" (Traveller, May 21-22) on getting away from it all.
To add to his list I'd like to recommend Malawi. We recently visited this small country and for an African experience truly off the beaten track you couldn't do better. We stayed both in Majete National Park (Big five, no crowds) then on the shores of the beautiful Lake Malawi where we snorkelled amongst the colourful cichlid fish, endemic to the area.
The Malawians are the friendliest, most charming people in Africa. It is not a wealthy nation and due to lack of rain it is heading into hard times. Their fledgling tourism industry deserves our support, you will be richly rewarded if you are after a nature based, culturally different and totally relaxing holiday. Robin Pope Safaris arranged our superb accommodation.
Lesley Strauss, Wahroonga, NSW
YURT FEELINGS
I can't believe that the writer of "No calls of the wild" has actually been to Mongolia. My opinion is based on the spelling of that country's capital. It's Ulaanbaatar not Ulan Bator, and it has been spelt the latter way for almost 10 years.
The signs at the airport welcome you to Ulaanbaatar. All over the city there are signs with that spelling. At the very good souvenir shop in The State Department Store and at hundreds of other locations, you can buy T-shirts and coffee mugs telling you how it is spelt. Wikipedia agrees, too.
The quite large Australian expat community, many of whom gather at the Casablanca bar in the Bayangol Hotel on Saturday afternoons to watch AFL at one end and NRL at the other would also concur.
Les Nixon, Holland Park West, QLD
EDITOR'S NOTE "Ulan Bator" is Traveller's preferred style, as it is for other titles such as The New York Times. And may we point out that the capital's international airport is spelt "Chinggis Khaan", which in English is invariably spelt "Genghis Khan".
PLANE FRUSTRATED
Do you or any of your readers know where to turn when an airline repeatedly ignores, or sends a standard response and then does nothing, in response to a complaint regarding bad treatment by their staff? The airline concerned is an overseas one. Is there any sort of international ombudsman for airlines?
Charlotte Brewer, Shepparton, VIC
SOMETHING FISHY
During our holiday in New Zealand recently, my brother and I had an amazing trout fishing experience on Lake Taupo. Guide Marty Staines provided the boat, fishing licences and gear. A large number of trout we caught were released back into the lake to grow a bit more.
Each evening our hotel chef cooked a fish; so fresh and delicious. Enjoying the lake and fishing we extended our stay a few days. Excitement of the catch, with its short and long range releases, was absolutely fabulous. The boating on Lake Taupo was a highlight our holiday and trout caught a bonus.
Brian Noad, Surry Hills, NSW
WHIFF REGRETS
We recently visited the magnificent Borghese galleries set among the verdant gardens of the Villa Borghese. While there nature called. The cornucopia of delights that awaits you in the gallery has its direct opposite in the loos.Few in number but vast in smell and general disgust.
There are some near the entry – if they are working – and then none on the first level and only one, smelly and with no seat, on the second level.
I don't think I have ever encountered such deplorably disgusting facilities anywhere within such a gallery or public area, save perhaps for the Great Wall of China in 1985. So dear traveller, don't go unless you are beyond desperate.
Debbie Wiener, East St Kilda, VIC
DUTCH TREAT
I came to Australia from the Netherlands 63 years ago and I am taking my six children, their partners and my six grandchildren back in July 2016. Our group will consist of 13 adults and six children under four years old.
I would appreciate any tips or advice from your readers that would assist us with the challenges and the logistics of our venture, which we hope will be a very enjoyable and memorable experience.
Patty & Adrian Klep, Ferntree Gully, VIC
STRANGE CUSTOMS
I read with interest the letter "Border farce" (Letters, May 21-22). Having taken many school groups overseas our nightmare is trying to get the whole group through customs together. Then, if there is an issue we can deal with it.
However, the customs people always separate us. The irony is that I get to carry all of the teachers' duty free and I go through last. It is more than embarrassing to be stopped and asked if I have anything to declare. Fortunately they are reasonable and let me through but imagine if they didn't? They don't let the party wait for everybody and everybody is usually out by the time I'm being searched.
I've had the same issue when on a family holiday. I would hate my under 18 daughter or any of my students to be whisked away for a search without knowing.
Peter Mayes, Petersham, 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. See lonelyplanet.com.
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