This was published 2 years ago
Traveller Letters: Crack down on the overhead bin hogs
Too many passengers push the limits of airlines' carry-on luggage rules, writes one reader this week.Credit: iStock
LOCKER SHOCKER
Provided the policy is well advertised and consistently applied, it's perfectly reasonable for airlines to set strict limits on cabin baggage (Traveller Letters, February 12). It costs airlines to carry it, there's only so much space to stow it and that limited space is really only intended for items either needed in flight or needing security such as travel documents. Too often passengers trying to do the right thing are crowded out of overhead lockers and leg room by others stretching the limits just so they can avoid the slight extra inconvenience of checking in baggage.
Rachel Grimmer, McKInnon, VIC
LETTER OF THE WEEK
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKED
Anne Heath Mennell's letter (Traveller Letters, February 19) reminded me of a British Airways London flight in May 2001. Long haul can be so boring so I decided to break the monotony and asked if I could visit the cockpit. That request was arranged and after some introductory small talk, the three pilots wanted to talk about the upcoming Wallabies rugby tour at the time. Being a keen follower and player, I was able to add much to the conversation which went on for over an hour. Three times the stewardess knocked on the door checking that everything was okay. But by far, the highlight, travelling at around 35,000 feet was the mesmerising snow-capped Himalayas which seemed to be at eye level and below as we passed over Afghanistan, I wondered how anyone could live in such a desolate place. Reflecting, I feel so lucky that I took that opportunity, for five months later, in September, that all changed.
Michael Webb, Cromer, NSW
JOURNEY MAN
I read Traveller in print every week, having recently discovered your website and Instagram address (not being into technology). I found your February story, "Epic thrillers", on the next 25 great journeys very stimulating. I regularly search for ideas of travel journeys and destinations to visit (ASAP) as Australia and the world opens up for leisure travellers. The summaries of many and varied journeys were enlightening including some places and trips I have been thinking and reading about.
Brent Campbell, Glen Iris, VIC
KUWAIT, THERE'S MORE
Belinda Jackson's extensive story review (Traveller, February 12) of present Gulf states tourism was without any acknowledgement at all of Kuwait and Bahrain. All Gulf states presently have COVID and travel security issues to some degree, so what warrants simply whitewashing these particular two from readers' view and consideration? Both have official travel websites, highlighting significant visual interest for in-depth Middle East tourism and both have reasonable web-based travel information. Australia has an embassy in Kuwait and Bahrain even has the first 2022 Formula 1 race in March.
Paul Ellis, Toronto, NSW
EDITOR'S NOTE Although this story was displayed over almost three pages in print, space unfortunately precluded us from including every Gulf. We'd welcome readers' tips and insights on travel to Kuwait and Bahrain.
PERFECT PARIS MATCH
I loved your story on Paris (Traveller, February 19) by Ute Junker. On our most recent trip to Paris we found a luxury B & B called Assia & Nathalie in the heart of the Marais district which offered peace and quiet in two new apartments in a beautifully renovated building. But the standout feature was the kindness and help offered by our two wonderful hosts, Assia and Nathalie. Assia (as a retired UNESCO heritage lawyer) speaks perfect English even though French is her mother tongue and therefore was able to communicate freely with us offering us great ideas on how to enjoy our days and nights in Paris. Lively conversations with Assia and Nathalie ensued over a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast each morning gave us an insight into a slice of life as a Parisian.
Robyn Thomson, Hamilton South, NSW
CREDIT CHECK
Kate Aplin (Traveller Letters, February 12) complained that flight credits can only be used by the people named on the original ticket and that it has to be all of them, on one flight. I also encountered this last year when I had to cancel an interstate flight for some family members due to border changes. I was immediately issued a credit but also read the terms and conditions and discovered this very restrictive limitation. Luckily, I had booked this particular flight using my points. It took a few long phone calls to Qantas but I eventually got my points back instead, which can then be reused to book any flight without such restrictions.
Brendan Jones, Annandale NSW
UNHAPPY BIRTHDAY
We have had an American Express Platinum card for over 30 years and have relied on it for our travel insurance. As my husband is turning 80 in May, I thought I should check on coverage and if there was a premium that we would have to pay for his insurance. Much to our shock and horror they have a total block of any travel insurance from your 79th birthday! Amex would be fully aware of his age, but no notification was given to my husband that he was uninsurable from his 79th birthday. So much for loyalty.
Beverley Kable, North Sydney, NSW
CHATBOT CHEER
My own complaint about an instance of Jetstar injustice (Traveller Letters, February 12) was quickly rectified after dealing with Jess (the chatbot), an agent and finally their airline's resolutions team. I was charged a rebooking fee from Nadi in Fiji to Sydney on December 15 for nine days later, after an unexpected positive COVID result. At that time, the waiting period to enter Australia was 14 days, not seven, so in effect the booking was futile as we would not have been allowed to board the plane. Compounding the problem was imprecise information from Australian government websites neglecting to highlight their daily updates and changes to the rules. Caveat emptor.
Siddiq Buckley, Greenacre, NSW
WIN A SET OF THREE HARDIE GRANT TRAVEL BOOKS
The Letter of the Week writer wins Hardie Grant travel books worth more than $100, including Undiscovered Tasmania by Rochelle & Wally Dare; Emma Shaw's Ultimate Weekends Australia; and Vantastic by Kate Ulman.
See hardiegrant.com
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