Qantas will not allow reservation of exit seats, according to a reader.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
THE LGGING
As long-time Qantas travelers, we are used to buying exit seats for trips to Britain and Asia. However, for 2022 no exit seats appear when we attempt to book flights to London, Singapore or Bangkok in February, May and August. After a five-hour phone call at the Qantas call center, the operator was unable to provide any explanation other than “the seats are blocked for the crew to rest”. Surely not. All other carriers serving these routes offer these seats. Can anyone help us figure out what is going on?
Mike and Jenny Copland, Wodonga
DO NOT APPLY
Like most people, I look forward to international travel with no worries. But it looks like you have to be an IT guru these days with all the apps and download requirements. I’m looking to travel to the UK in 2022, but recently discovered that their NHS Track and Trace and COVID Pass apps don’t recognize international vaccine certificates. If using the app, be prepared to receive multiple pings and isolate yourself for 10 days if you are in close contact, even if you are vaccinated. Vaccinated UK residents just need to get tested and not self-isolate.
Cairan Beard, Brisbane, QLD
PATIENCE GAME
We booked a nice organized tour last April (when things started to look normal) with AAT Kings’ “Outback adventure Adelaide to Darwin”, which was due to start in August 2021. Our Flight Center travel agent booked it. for us, but then had to cancel in July as COVID-19 raged and state borders closed. We requested a refund, which was accepted. Unfortunately, after 16 weeks, we are still waiting for it and it is a considerable sum. We complained but nothing helped. We cannot book any more vacations anymore as we are waiting for our money.
Judy Davies, Rose Bay, NSW
CLEAN THE AIR
I feel like I have to stand up for Airbnbs. I choose them when I stay at least four nights in one place. They allow visitors a window into the life of the locals that is not available in other types of accommodation. I have stayed in a dozen one bedroom apartments since 2014 in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia. None have been a disappointment. The secret to choosing a venue is the reviews. With photos, they must be interpreted very carefully. My last stay was in my own suburb while my apartment was being renovated. It was yet another home away from home with a host who took pride in their accommodation. In 2020, I had to cancel two bookings in Switzerland due to COVID and received a full refund after explaining the Australian government restrictions. I will continue to stay on Airbnbs when I start traveling again.
Janet Jeffreys, Drummoyne, NSW
OLDIE BUT A GOODIE
We were recently away on a relatively long trip north of Hawkesbury, the first in almost six months with a Saturday noon stopover in Kempsey on the north coast of NSW. Coming off the M1 Pacific Highway, we traced the old Pacific Highway into town, passing the Slim Dusty Center (temporarily closed). Rather than attempting a post-containment visit to the Golden Arches, we opted to pre-book at the well-established Lou’s Cafe restaurant owned by Lou Kesby. We had been there before with varied, tasty, fresh and quickly served dishes. Decor includes cabin seating with movie posters from bygone eras adorning the walls. If you are in no rush, this restaurant should be a must-see on your next visit to the country.
Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook, NSW
SIM TIPS, PLEASE
Hope you and your large audience will be able to recommend an international prepaid SIM card. We were TravelSIM fans but they are a victim of the pandemic. I am about to leave for Canada, Spain and Scotland next February and we are looking for such a product. Any advice is welcome.
Kathy Cree, Newtown, NSW
SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT
I’m a South Coast resident so I was interested in reading Anthony Dennis’ review on Cupitt’s Estate (Traveler 20 November 2021). The article annoyed me. Dennis’ derogatory remarks about Ulladulla being an “unattractive seaside town” are unwarranted. It is totally unnecessary to deny Ulladulla (Cupitt’s official address) in order to emphasize the appeal of Milton and Mollymook, or even Cupitt’s Estate.
Jacqueline Wilkes, Dolphin Point, NSW
GO FOR IT
If there’s one travel tip I could give to anyone, it would be: just do it. Years ago, when discussing travel with a colleague, he said he would wait until he retired because if he went all the way he would want time to “do it all.” “. I have traveled a lot and learned you can never do it all. If someone says, “Let’s go to …” or if an opportunity presents itself, go away, or in the end you might run out of going anywhere.
Liane Simpson, Oatley, NSW
Let’s shake it
In reply to Ian Rosel (Letters to Travelers, November 20) about his experience of traveling in a group and the help the tour operator gave after a ‘shaker’ in Christchurch in December 2010, it should be noted that the only one in 2010 was September 4 of that year. The biggest one struck on February 22, 2011. Perhaps Ian was referring to the two earthquakes of December 23, 2011, but they were not followed eight weeks later by “the devastator” as quoted.
Adrian Brown, Pascoe Vale, VIC
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
With the virus causing many touring issues, it is good that some companies are sticking around. Celebrating his 40th birthday, Owen Johnstone-Donnet of St James Rail with his wife Takako Ishige has to be one of Australia’s top operators. As I rediscovered on a recent eight day tour of Northwestern NSW Armidale, Inverell and Narrabri by train / coach, their planning is superb. Takako prepared tasty breakfasts aboard NSW TrainLink’s Northern Tablelands Express wagons. Short walks in the bush, treasures like Bingara’s art deco Roxy Theater and lunch at Pilliga Pottery were the highlights. Using a TrainLink unlimited first-class travel “discovery pass” from Melbourne, adding $ 88 for a berth each way, made it easier to connect to Sydney Central. No wonder the local and foreign St James Rail routes are often full.
Edmund Carew, Windsor, VIC
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