Think politeness can’t get you an upgrade? Think again

Class act

Some years ago my son upgraded using points for a long-haul business class flight on British Airways. Early into the fully booked flight my son noticed an angry male passenger was causing problems for staff, complaining his entertainment screen didn’t work. My son’s offer to change seats with him was accepted gratefully. Departing from the flight, a crew member gave him a bottle of French Champagne. My son did not have enough points to upgrade to business class for the final leg to Sydney but was delighted to find he had been upgraded when he arrived at the departure gate.
Marilyn Jessop, Forrest, ACT

Hawaiian happiness

We have travelled to Hawaii many times since 2009 so the recent “My Happy Place” article resonates with us. Our favourite place is Kona on Hawaii island (AKA The Big Island), but we also love Honolulu, especially the iconic Ilikai hotel. We will keep going back and it’s true each time we have a special experience. I may live on the Gold Coast but Hawaii is completely different. Waikiki is very touristy, but I think people need to explore the whole state including the other islands – it is all beautiful.
Fiona Gray, Hope Island, Qld

Lighten the load

Whenever I travel overseas and near the end of the trip, I start to give my clothes away or donate them to charity shops along the way. This started years ago on my first trip to Malaysia when I made friends with some locals, and they were thrilled to receive some Western-style clothing. They were happy and so was I – it means you have less to pack when it comes close to departure time and your new friends have something fun to remember you by.
Mel Taylor, West Albury, NSW

Withdrawal symptoms

Can anyone top the ATM fee gouge I experienced recently at Istanbul Airport? I’d never been previously, but I knew that cash was widely used in the city and so wanted to be prepared. Dazed and confused after a 22-hour flight, I readily withdrew 12,000 Turkish lira (about $350) which attracted a fee of 1680 lira, making the withdrawal 13,680 lira in total. Yes, that ATM fee was $49. On the way in to the city it soon became obvious that there are money exchange shops and ATMs, some with minimal fees, everywhere in Istanbul – so resist the urge to be cashed up before you leave the airport. The savings can buy you many things in this wonderful city.
Martin Pundyk, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Puffed out

We cop a lot of criticism for Australia’s “nanny state” reputation – mandatory bicycle helmets, smoking bans and a general sense that our government knows best, and that criticism can be deserved. But, walking past an airport smoking room in Athens, I spotted a young boy playing with his toy car while his father and a dozen other adults puffed away. After my initial shock, I felt something unexpected: gratitude. Back home, this simply wouldn’t be tolerated. We roll our eyes at the rules – until we see what life looks like without them.
Elle Stanley, Annandale, NSW

Bedside manners

I travelled to Japan to ski earlier this year and unfortunately had a serious accident, which hospitalised me for almost three weeks. In the same hospital, and with a similar injury, was an Australian woman whom I became friends with. We used different travel insurance providers. Hers was one of Australia’s biggest and the difference in the treatment she received, compared to mine, was stark. She was treated appallingly with her insurer berating her daily about the speed of her recovery and her commitment to her rehab program. She was in a shared room with little space and no bathroom facilities. In contrast, I was given a lovely private room, sympathetic phone calls to monitor my progress and keep my spirits up, and a complete overview of my treatment. I was also given a full medical evacuation. My insurer, AllClear, was brilliant.
Alan Phillips, Mosman, NSW

Snappy app

Being an older person travelling to Europe for the first time in 40 years, I approached the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application with trepidation. Unlike Dennis Altman (Traveller  Letters, October 3), I found the process quick and easy. On advice from the UK government’s site, I downloaded the ETA app to my phone. Following the steps in the app, my phone was able to detect and capture the required information and was ideally set up to take a selfie when a photo was needed. My application was approved in minutes. While many may not be keen to download yet another app, I can assure you it’s the way to go rather than dealing with the website.
Maree Shandley, Drysdale, Vic

Shaken and stirred

I found the article on the German Spy Museum interesting. I also visited a spy museum in Tirana, Albania. Called “The House of Leaves”, it was the headquarters of the dreaded sigurimi – the security police. Inside you will find the types of secret gadgets used to record and film people considered to be a threat to the state. You can also visit the underground bunkers used as jail cells and torture chambers where no one could hear the screams. The museum also notes which hotels in Tirana had recording bugs in every room, which included mine.
Con Vaitsas, Ashbury, NSW

Sweet as

My wife and I are just back from holidaying on the North Island of New Zealand. We were there 50 years ago this month, on our honeymoon. A lot has changed in that time, with one exception: the people. The Kiwis are friendly, helpful and ready to have a chat. A local let us use their New World supermarket membership card so we could get a discount on a block of Whittaker’s chocolate. Another provided their card at the petrol pump, in exchange for cash, when our card wouldn’t work. When asked about our travels we shared the story of our honeymoon and we were humbled by some of the enthusiastic reactions.
Peter Mortensen, Mortdale, NSW

Long-haul flight

Regarding chatting to your neighbours on planes. In 1988, I flew from Nottingham to Paris. While on the plane, I chatted with the Australian woman sitting next to me. Almost 38 years later, we are still together.
Mervyn Robbins, Coburg, Vic

Your say: Hotel breakfasts

What makes a good hotel breakfast? What’s the best one you’ve ever had? Share your thoughts via the box below or email us at travellerletters@traveller.com.au and we’ll publish a selection of the responses in an upcoming edition.

Last chance to enter: Win the ultimate 100-day world tour for two worth $200,000!

Spanning 13 countries and five continents, from the ancient gorges of the Kimberley to the serene waters of Europe and South-East Asia, the unmissable 100-day World Tour is available just once to a handful of travellers. Enter here.