To use the full functionality of this website, JavaScript must be enabled.Below are instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your web browser.
As you may have noticed, Qantas Rewards points are now easier to earn, you just have to check your credit card application, health insurance and more.Why?Because their returns are less than before.It is not currently possible to fly business class from Melbourne to Europe using points.Always, the longest flight segment is economy class, and the route is far from direct.The heavy promotion of frequent flyer points is a scam because its value no longer exists.
I just spent a few weeks in Korea.If there was a roof there, you would wear a mask, and 95% of people would wear a mask on the street.So embarrassing, then watch a recent performance of a selfish middle-aged trio who was stranded in Sydney on a flight because they wanted an exemption.They got their wish even after other passengers told them to wear masks.I was lucky enough to sit behind them all the way to Singapore.Empty containers often make the loudest noise.
On a short trip to Melbourne, after getting off the tram, I realised I had left my backpack with my iPad on the seat.I boarded the next tram in the same direction and told the driver who radioed the description to the base.A phone call to all the drivers and within five minutes I was told the luggage had been handed in by a passenger.The driver who reported the incident told me to wait for the tram to come back in the opposite direction.He also gave me the route number and vehicle number to look out for.Everything was as he said and within 10 minutes my backpack was returned to me.Many thanks to the Melbourne Tram drivers and honest passengers.
Three of the May 21 Traveler Letters dealt with legitimate criticism of Qantas, especially this week’s letter about failing to check in any passenger luggage on a flight to London was horrific.I have been a proud former ground staff of Qantas for almost 30 years, and over the past few years it has been very sad to read about failures in customer service (many pre-COVID) as they come not only from the general public, but also The same goes for the part of the tourism industry from all people.It is my sincere hope that Qantas management will take these criticisms and restore this fine airline to the true ‘Australian spirit’ it once belonged to.
By submitting your email, you agree to Fairfax Media’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Some of your correspondents have recently complained about Qantas service.Here’s a positive story: a few weeks ago we were at Perth Airport waiting to return to Melbourne.The flight at the next gate was not on time and we realised a family of three on that flight was having a hard time with the behaviour of their two boys.As frustration mounted, one of the children physically attacked a Qantas ground crew member, who remained calm and controlled at all times.I was impressed with the professional way the ground crew handled this extremely distressing situation.
I love Lee Tulloch’s continued column (Traveller, May 14).One of the carry-on tips is to bring two or three padded envelopes so you can mail items back to yourself.We have never had a problem receiving Turkish cushion covers, cashmere sweaters, new (or used) clothes in Sydney.Buying padded envelopes overseas is often overly complicated, but using the post office is always another fun cultural experience.After years of serious or fun travel, I use color-coded clothes.It can get boring, but it will make you grateful to come home.
Your columnist Lee Tulloch writes (reluctantly) that there is no excuse for using checked luggage.I beg to differ.People who bring a lot of carry-on luggage into the cabin take up space for others and are more likely to block aisles for storage, access and retrieval of luggage.Some of them actually want the crew to carry their large bags into the trunk.Carry-on baggage should be limited to what you really need or cannot check on your flight.
Glen op den Brou’s letter (Traveller Letters, May 21) accuses European travelers of ignoring the Ukrainian war when they travel to Europe, which both baffles and amazes me.I don’t know how not going to Europe would prompt Putin to shorten his “special operation”.He would probably like us to boycott Europe.Glenn’s stance also fails to recognise the emotional toll the COVID travel ban is causing to many Europeans who call Australia home and need to recover with their European family.At the start of the pandemic, my father lost his life to Covid-19 and flew back to the Netherlands for the first time in two and a half years; both to honor my late father and to help celebrate my mother’s 90th birthday.While I am disgusted by the shameful war waged by a departing tyrant against a sovereign nation, I fail to see how my travels have humiliated the Ukrainian people – like thousands of my fellow countrymen rooted in the old world – back to my hometown
Your only guide to Corfu, Greece (Traveler, May 21) misses a fascinating historic building.Visit Mon Repos, the birthplace of the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, a short walk from the city of Corfu, on top of a scenic cliff.
Editor’s Note: Thanks for the tip, although you can find Traveler’s full report on this fascinating aspect of Corfu here, published before the pandemic.
The Apropos Hotel accommodates dogs and other animals (Traveller, May 7), and after visiting Canada a few years ago, I couldn’t understand why holidaymakers had to bring their dogs.The petotel was definitely built so that mongrel dogs could take a break from their owners.
Whenever I travel, I bring a few pillowcases with me for another layer of comfort, and sometimes a lodging pillow for peace of mind.Once I was short staffed, I realized my spare t-shirt would be a good option.Forget the P-slip, grab another T-shirt.
Editor’s Note We’d love to hear from our readers about other items they like to carry with them when traveling to add another level of comfort.
Regarding Greg Cornwell’s “Oh Canada” letter (Traveller Letters, May 21), I also just returned from overseas and I have to do a pre-flight and on-arrival PCR test.However, all results were obtained and retained in digital format, so I don’t understand why Greg and his wife were asked to spit into a vial every day.Surely they have results on the phone?Still on the computer?As for Australia’s electronic passenger declaration form, it’s been around for a few months and our airline messaged me about a week before we returned home reminding us to fill it out online or through the app.We were told about the obstacles, and while it was inconvenient, it was great to be able to travel again.
I recently spent a highly anticipated holiday at a remote hotel in Western Australia, only accessible by air or sea (I traveled there via Melbourne, Darwin and Kununurra).Unfortunately, heading into the holidays, I tested positive for Covid-19.Must be airlifted from the hotel to Kununurra on a COVID-safe flight for an upfront cost of $4810.No insurance (private, credit card, health insurance) covers COVID-related expenses.While COVID is so common in Australia, is such a remote experience really worth the risk?
Referring to Michael Atkin’s “Open the Door” letter (Tipometer, May 29) and his difficulties getting a refund from gotogate.com, we resorted to contacting our bank’s credit card department and went through the process of getting the funds back this way .Our argument is that we did not receive the services we paid for.Gotogate debated this, but the bank has returned the money to us.Good luck, fellow travelers.
Thank you so much for your help, ideas, tips and inspiration on this page (Lonely Planet, the subject of your weekly awards, is my travel bible and it never fails me).Here are some of my own favorite travel tips: always book centrally located accommodation so you can easily return during the day or night; learn basic words (respect and courtesy) in the language of the country you’re visiting; familiarize yourself with the culture note; carry the address and phone number of the hotel you are staying at with you.
I’ve learned from friends who are struggling with learning and only book online with Australian accredited agents.I always check atas.com.au to make sure they are.You will then be protected by Australian law for credits or refunds.
This week’s letter writers have won over $100 worth of Hardy Grant travel books.In June, includes the ultimate bike tour: Andrew Bain’s Australia; Romy Gill on the Himalayan Trail; Melissa Mylchreest and Rewilding Kids Australia.
This week’s Tip Writer has won a set of three great Lonely Planet travel books, including the Ultimate Australia Travel Checklist, Travel Books and Armchair Explorers.
Letters of 100 words or less are prioritized and may be edited for space, legal or other reasons.Please use complete sentences, no text, and no attachments.Send an email to travellerletters@traveller.com.au and, importantly, provide your name, address and phone number.
Post time: Jun-06-2022