Traveller letters: The best airport if you have hours to kill

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Traveller letters: The best airport if you have hours to kill

Singapore's Changi International Airport has much to entertain the waiting traveller.

Singapore's Changi International Airport has much to entertain the waiting traveller.Credit: Alamy

HAIL CHANGI

Replying to Lynne Smith (Traveller Letters, May 30) there is so much more to Changi Airport than the pool. Pick up an airport guide booklet from Information and discover the best airport if you have to spend the hours there. Moving between terminals is easy and each one is different: sculptures and gardens are a must see and there are TV rooms, a cinema, kids zones and even snoozer chairs and quiet areas. Do not sit enclosed in a lounge but get around and see this magnificent airport.

Ray Sheldon, Melbourne, Vic

ODD BUSINESS

Recently we travelled business class to Bali with Virgin Australia. There were only eight seats in business, all of them occupied. We were last to be served lunch and were somewhat surprised to be told by the steward that two choices on the menu were not available. Each time the curtain was opened, we viewed the steward eating. I have written to the airline; my letter has not even been acknowledged.

Glynnis and Roger Golsby, Mangrove Mountain, NSW

UNFAIR ON THE FARE

I read with much interest Kristie Kellahan's review of her flight from Paris (CDG) to Dubrovnik with Croatia Airlines (Traveller, January 31-February 1). I recently travelled with the same airline from Frankfurt to Dubrovnik ($678) and then Dubrovnik to Prague ($601), a total flight time of about three hours. My experience was not as bad as hers; I had a good reception at check-in and I also got lunch, a variant of the generic European ham and cheese roll plus a drink. However, my verdict is the same as hers: avoid this airline, if at all possible. I cannot but feel the fares are an example of price gouging. The irony is, I would recommend a visit to Dubrovnik to anyone, it is a magical place.

Garriock Duncan, Engadine, NSW

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THE FLIGHT HAS BOLTED

I read with interest your Flight Test of the Spanish budget airline Vueling (Traveller, May 30-31). My husband and I booked a flight from Casablanca to Paris with Vueling, only to find the departure airport had been changed to Rabat (a 90-minute drive)! We had not been informed of this change and after a couple of anxious hours trying to locate a desk that would give us information we booked a flight with Air France. On our return home, I got in touch with the airline which continued to tell me I should check in early! But where? The next day I received an email informing me of the airport change. At no time did they offer compensation. As the writer, Sally Webb, so rightly said: "you get what you pay for."

Helen Taylor, Springside, NSW

SENSE OF DIRECTION

I agree with Alan Rotman (Traveller Letters, May 30-31) that the experience of Japanese kindliness is amazing. Several years ago I was visiting Kyoto when George Bush was in town for talks with noisy peace demonstrations and police everywhere. I asked a police officer for directions to a museum and after walking two blocks, I felt a tap on my shoulder. To my astonishment, I turned to see the policeman. He had run after me to point me in the right direction. On another occasion in Tokyo, I asked directions in Takadanobaba station to an English language bookstore in the district and the attendant actually took me there. Hard to imagine that occurring anywhere else.

Glenn Larner, Freshwater, NSW

SLEEPING EASY

We recently returned from Europe using Airbnb in Slovenia and Croatia and, without exception, the experiences were fantastic. Everywhere we were greeted by friendly, helpful owners and the apartments were clean, well-stocked with necessities and all in great positions. It was such a wonderful way to meet and learn from the locals and see what lovely people they were. We certainly fully recommend and will use again if travelling overseas or interstate.

Suzie Bosman, Port Melbourne, Vic

SOUND ADVICE

Brian Johnston's essay (Traveller, May 30-31) struck a chord (sorry). On a recent trip, I filmed short videos on my iPad and found they captured sounds that added a dimension beyond what photos could record. In Japan, I filmed a monk entering a temple with chanting coming from inside, an elderly man playing a traditional flute by a river as waves lapped against our rowboat, a bullet train window with countryside rushing by while a passenger announcement was being made. Cameras, mobile phones and tablets record video easily and clips can be easily shared. Then family and friends can lend their ears to your holiday soundtrack too.

Carrie Bengston, Clovelly, NSW

LETTER OF THE WEEK

In April we cleared security at Sydney airport and then purchased a copy of Better Homes and Gardens at the newsagents while waiting to board. Attached were two very long thick wooden knitting needles well able to skewer anyone. Having carried them aboard without question we enjoyed a peaceful journey assured of our own protection if attacked.

Patrick and Sharon Collins, Lavender Bay, NSW

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