Traveller letters: Overbooking is ridiculous and it has to stop

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Traveller letters: Overbooking is ridiculous and it has to stop

Japan is famous for its scenery - but its people are just as remarkable.

Japan is famous for its scenery - but its people are just as remarkable.Credit: Prasit Chansareekorn

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Whilst we can all sympathise with genuine delays due to cancelled flights, the absurd policy of deliberate overbooking by airlines has to stop. Don't they realise their clients have important reasons why they need to fly at a certain time?

I was nearly bumped off a Qantas flight from Johannesburg to Sydney (clearly a lower priority than a team of rugby players visiting for a final) despite arriving for check-in three hours early, having travelled from Zimbabwe where telecommunications are shambolic, and where there is no opportunity for online check-in.

I was expected back at work with a full day of veterinary consultations booked solid. Qantas relented only when I told them I would personally phone every client from my cancelled appointments and explain exactly why they had been inconvenienced.

Yesterday a friend of mine was dumped from a Jetstar flight from Hobart to Melbourne, where his daughter was due to undergo surgery this morning. Imagine if you purchased a concert ticket but on arrival were told "sorry we're overbooked, your seats have been reallocated".

Overbooking is ridiculous and it has to stop.

James Thompson, Turramurra NSW

BATH TIMES

One of the pleasures in reading your travel stories is the memories they evoke. I really enjoyed your article about Bath (Traveller, May 16-17) but your writer, Keith Austin, missed out on what was a highlight for me.

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After exploring the Roman Baths, I wandered into the Pump Room Restaurant where high tea is served in grand style: high ceilings, chandeliers, sumptuous delicacies to choose from and a young man playing a grand piano on the balcony above. There were flowers everywhere and charming, attentive waiters and waitresses. I didn't even have to book, and it was a sunny springtime in May, 2011.

Evelyn Lawson. Karingal Vic

HIGH PRAISE

Altitude sickness struck as I left the aircraft in Arequipa​, Peru, during my solo journey to South America. Within 15 minutes of calling Condor Travel, the Peruvian company handling my on-ground arrangements, a doctor visited my hotel, prescribed medication and recommended I abandon a planned two-day trip to the higher altitude of Colca Canyon.

Condor arranged another doctor in Cusco​ - both treatments were complimentary under Condor's limited customer insurance - avoiding my need to contact my Australian-based insurer. Aged 71, I found this experience extremely comforting and continued my journey to the amazing Machu Picchu​ and its evidence of the incredible achievements of the Inca civilisation.

Des Sullivan, Sunshine Beach, Qld

NIPPON THE MONEY

I agree with Greg Taylor's comments (Traveller, May 9-10) regarding Japan. But I think those comments are more a reflection on Japan generally. We were blown away when we were chased by the restaurateur down the street so that he could refund the tip we had left. Our mouths were agape when the Tokyo hotel that we returned to after our trip around Japan gave us back our discarded can of drink that they had retained for us.

Finally our hearts were full of gratitude when the Kyoto bus driver, seeing the confused look on our faces as we were trying to decipher the bus destination sign, alighted from his bus in busy peak hour traffic to assist us and ensure our safe return to the train station.

I regard Japan as the cream of the Asian crop.

Alan Rotman, Caulfield North, Vic

FORWARD THINKING

When will airlines make a condition of flying that "No seats are to be reclined until after meals are served and lights are switched off"? On a recent night flight from Chennai to Singapore a passenger in front of me reclined her seat fully as soon as the flight took off.

I requested through the flight attendant that the passenger return the seat to upright until after our meal was served. However, the passenger simply refused. The embarrassed attendant explained to me that she would get some help and, fortunately, she was able to find another two seats for my wife and me.

Lindsay Krieger, Fullarton, SA

LUCKY BREAK

Last week my husband and I had a long layover in Singapore and doing our prior research really payed off. After a private tour of the city (Changi Museum and Chapel is a must-see) we were dropped off at Terminal 1, where there is a Transit Hotel. We waited for our flight whilst resting, snoozing and swimming, all for less than $15 each, including towel, coffee and amenities. We stayed for hours and it was a wonderful way to pass the time and prepare for our overnight flight back to Sydney. An underutilised gem and highly recommended.

Lynne Smith, Empire Bay, NSW

PARK YOURSELF HERE

Michael Webb extols the glories of Mount Kaputar National Park (Traveller, May 9-10). I had never heard of this park until last month, when, with a group of other U3Aers (University of the 3rd Age) I visited it on a coach trip to Lightning Ridge, NSW. Although we didn't rough it, as Michael did, but travelled in the comfort of a coach, we were awed by its beauty and ruggedness.

From the new Mount Kaputar lookout, ranges and valleys rolled away to the horizon, sublime in the misty late afternoon sun. The silence and peace were palpable. Wallabies came and inspected us. The road to the summit is good, but long and winding. Whichever way you get there, this park is worth a visit.

Merryn Parnell, Warriewood, NSW

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