This was published 9 years ago
Traveller letters: Crying baby in business class? I feel for the parents
CRYING SHAME I
My heart goes out to the poor parents of the baby who cried continually the whole of a 10-hour flight. Other passengers may cope better with this by employing some empathy towards the parents who were no doubt fully aware of their baby disturbing other passengers but powerless to calm the baby. Sedatives are not recommended for babies and can be dangerous. Does the author of the letter believe that babies should be banned from planes? Have some compassion; this is always a possibility whilst flying.
- Linda Finlay
CRYING SHAME II
Further to the article on crying babies on flights (Traveller Letters, January 31st), it is sad to believe the complaining business class traveller's lack of empathy for the parents who had probably tried everything to settle their distressed infant. Sleep-deprived parents concerned for their baby should not have to worry about other passengers. A little understanding and tolerance may have been appreciated. As suggested, a designated space may be appropriate at the back of the plane but more suited to whingeing adults. Babies and children are our future not second-class citizens. Their comfort and welfare should be our priority.
- Bev Touzel
MAKING A MEAL OF IT
On a recent Qantas premium economy flight I pre-selected a meal before departure. Onboard, the manager confirmed my meal choice and conducted a short, related survey. Imagine my disappointment when my turn came and was advised that only one dish was left; not my pre-selected option. I explained I had ordered online and, after checking, was offered an apology and a meal from business class. As a new service rolling out through all classes on selected international flights, I hope Qantas have a method of ensuring that meals are allocated correctly before managing larger quantities of pre-ordered meals.
- Lorraine Spence
LETTER OF THE WEEK
Like Diane Armstrong, we stayed at Argegno on Lake Como (Traveller, January 31-February 1) and absolutely loved it. However, Armstrong's article failed to mention the cable car (funivia) ascent to the sleepy hollow village of Pigra perched high above Argegno. We rode up, looked around the town and took in the great view both up and down the lake, then walked down the ancient mule path back to Argegno. Hard on the knees but fantastic. Another day we caught the bus to Como and took the rack railway followed by a steep climb to get to Volta's light tower. Magnificent views of the lake and across the mountains into Switzerland.
- Diana Crombie
PULLING YOUR LEGS
I recently booked a return flight from Melbourne – Phnom Penh in Cambodia. About six weeks before leaving, the return flight was cancelled, necessitating that I purchase a new flight with a different carrier at an additional cost of $150. Then when I checked at the airport for the outbound flight, I was told that the Singapore to Phnom Penh leg had been cancelled. So, out of a four-leg journey, three flights were cancelled, one of which I was not informed about until I arrived at the airport. Not good enough Jetstar.
- Kate Heading
HEIGHTENED CONCERNS
In the article "Uphill All The Way" (Traveller, January 31-February 1), the author twice refers to the people who are carrying the group's belongings as "Sherpa". Sherpa is not a profession. The Sherpa are an ethnic group with their own distinct culture and language. The correct term for a person who carries your pack is a "porter".
Many Sherpa are offended by the misconception that "Sherpa" is synonymous with "someone who carries your bag". I was also dismayed that the article encourages trekking up to Everest Base Camp and taking a helicopter down. On top of the large carbon footprint, travellers are not making any contribution to the local economy by skipping the return trek.
The local population is by no means wealthy, and many rely on tourism as a source of income. Staying in the villages to and from Everest is a more sustainable form of tourism. Having completed the full trek myself, the descending journey also provides you with a wonderful opportunity to better admire some of the most beautiful scenery on Earth given that, on the ascent, you are more focused on just making it.
- Madeleine Beart
GREASE IS THE WORD
Perhaps it was the layers of grease on the drying room floors that caused Steve Meacham to enjoy "slither after slither" of jamon iberico and chorizo during his ham-processing factory tour in Andalusia (Traveller, Jan 31-Feb 1). Then again, perhaps he meant "sliver after sliver".
- Anne Ackroyd
WHO KNOWS?
I'll shortly be travelling on my first trip to Brazil. It's unclear to me if I require a yellow fever certificate. I've been a few times before to Brazil but returned to London, where no certificate is required. I won't be in a WHO [World Health Organisation] yellow fever area. I'm stuck as to who can give me the definitive answer. Having bought my ticket online directly with Qantas, are they obliged to provide me with the information? Would they deny me boarding on the return leg without a yellow fever certificate?
- R J Sawyer
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