Is a laptop counted as a second carry-on item or not? The rules are inconsistent, according to Traveler readers. Photo: izusek
THIS LAPTOP
Airport inconsistency? (Traveler Letters, January 7). Yes. I traveled business class with a small carry-on bag and small laptop from Melbourne to Sydney to London, a return trip I had taken many times. At each port, the laptop and carry-on was allowed through. However, at Gatwick in the UK I was once stopped and told that the laptop was not allowed as only one piece of carry-on could be brought on board. I was then instructed to take the laptop out of its bag, put the bag in the carry-on and put the laptop under my arm. Amazingly this was now perfectly acceptable. I still haven’t figured out the logic.
Trevor Powell, Eltham, Vic
DIFFERENT (KEY) STROKES
In response to Murray MacLachlan’s recent letter about laptops (Traveler Letters, January 7), different airports and even terminals within the same airport have different scanning technology and their own distinct rules. A laptop is sufficiently dense enough that it prevents some X-ray equipment from seeing through it. Thus, they could be used to conceal prohibited items. By taking the laptop out, it can be viewed as a standalone item. Is it overkill? Maybe. But security checks are, of course, designed for safety. In 2017, the US Department of Transport was even contemplating banning laptops as carry-on luggage on some flights. Do spare a thought for airline crew who are expected to know the rules despite the screening at different airports, all with different rules. But we are glad to be back
Brett Manders, Eaglemont, Vic
LETTER OF THE WEEK
ONE PLANET
I worry, not only for the environment but for human well-being in our fast-paced, screen-focused, consumption-driven world. I was therefore heartened to read Lee Tulloch’s recent insightful cover story, “The trends are night”, on 23 travel trends for 2023, (TravellerJanuary 7). Let’s follow Tulloch’s suggestions and switch off, slow down, recreate childhood memories of simpler times, be more mindful, and engage respectfully with beautiful environments and local communities when we travel. Travel offers a wonderful escape from busy modern life. Let’s make it restorative. And let’s travel lighter for the sake of ourselves and our planet.
Amy Hiller, Kew, VIC
ALERTED AND ALARMED
We have just returned from a five-week family holiday to Europe where we discovered a major issue with Australian credit cards. Whenever we tried to pay for something online, our credit cards would try to send us an SMS to verify the purchase. This was pointless given we were using European SIMs for the journey (£10 a month is rather cheaper than $10 a day). What stunned us was that our credit card providers (ANZ & Latitude) would not allow us to use European phone numbers. This meant that we were unable to pre-book events such as museums and concerts. One would think that cards such as the Latitude 28 Degrees, which is specifically for international travel, would allow you to use a non-Australian phone number.
Jacob Murray-White, Brunswick, Vic
HIGH ANXIETY
The aerial photo in your story (TravellerJanuary 7) of Ronda in Spain with its Puente Nuevo took my breath away. We stayed in this beautiful city four years ago. My lifelong fear of heights (and an equal fear of gaping space beneath me) meant that every day when crossing the 18th century bridge that divides the city, I would shuffle with great fear down the middle, knowing that a canyon 120 meters deep lay beneath I. Challenges such as these are unavoidable when traveling and I’m glad I managed my fear enough to experience the old city on the other side.
Rosemary Penman, Summer Hill, NSW
TOP FLIGHT
I booked two flights with Rex recently. The first I was slow to process online. A promptly-answered phone call quickly resolved the issue with just my name and no booking reference. Check-in on the flight was seamless and, even though we missed the 30 minute deadline, our bags still arrived with the flight. The second flight was delayed by four hours, (notified by email a couple of hours before the flight was due to leave) so we chose to postpone. Again, a quick response (15 minutes on hold on December 23 is fair enough I think) and a credit valid for 12 months.
Robert Reichenfeld, Bowral, NSW
BLANKET STATEMENT
When it comes to short-term rental accommodation I am a novice, however, our recent booking at Port Macquarie highlighted the gap between our perhaps misplaced expectations and the reality of that provided. Those expectations were not high and we packed linen and provisions. With a westerly outlook and a hot afternoon sun, the unit required cooling on arrival, great two pedestal fans, one not working, the other with a damaged stand secured under the base by a band-aid (yes I kid you not). its credit, there were some basics – like dishwashing and laundry detergent, however, empty salt and pepper shakers should have been an obvious inclusion. But one oversight by the owners and/or managing agents was the location of the fire blanket and extinguisher – both were tucked away at the bottom of the cupboard under the kitchen sink. It was nevertheless a nice break, even with the instructions upon departure: “PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL DISHES ARE DONE, EMPTY THE DISHWASHER…”
Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook NSW
THE WAITING GAME
Last week, after a four-day stopover in Bali en route home from Budapest, we arrived at the bursting-at-the-seams airport at 8pm for our 1am Virgin flight to Brisbane via Adelaide, only to find it cancelled. It had been canceled prior to lunch but we had not read the email regarding it. Miraculously, there was a Jetstar plane just waiting to take on all the Virgin passengers but going via Melbourne rather than Adelaide. What a strange coincidence that clearly both planes were only half full. After swearing never to fly Jetstar again, we gladly took the flight. But be warned the A321Neo aircraft used for this service is a dreadful plane. There is no padding on the tortuous seats and only three toilets.
Tony Snellgrove, Tumbulgum, NSW
TIP OF THE WEEK
SWITCH TO REMOTE
For a more relaxed and remote holiday, try Samoa. Both of its two main islands have much to offer and on both our trips we made good use of the Lonely Planet guides which were often more accurate than the local signage. Just be wary of ferry times, especially on a Sunday when traveling between islands. Otherwise, the delicious food, warm and friendly locals and various activities are fantastic and nothing beats coming out of your fale (a Samoan house with open sides and a thatched roof) to have a swim with some sea turtles off the beach.
Karen Kessner, Williamstown North, Vic
PRESSING MATTERS
Having recently returned from a wondrous Antarctic cruise in early December I have a few tips to share. Take a travel iron (if permitted by the cruise line) as all hotels and the cruise ship charge for ironing clothes. If booking and paying for hotels in Argentina, pay before you go if possible as the exchange rate on credit cards is terrible. Everyone changes US dollars into Argentine Pesos on the street and in money-changing kiosks as the rate on the street is much better than banks and hotels. Take mainly $US20 or larger notes. Some kiosks only accept $US100 bills. Try to avoid using credit cards.
Rosemary McDonald, Woollahra, NSW
DO ENOUGH
While we were walking to the taxi rank at Melbourne Airport, a guy approached us and asked if we were looking for a taxi. Upon learning that we wanted to go to Lalor, he offered us “$90 flat rate to Lalor”. We declined his offer and got into a taxi from the taxi rank. We paid $55 after we got home.
Swarna Pinto, Lalor, Vic.
PINE TIMES
Unique Norfolk Island is an ideal scenic destination for a relaxing break. The islanders, residents and visitors are all friendly and happy to share any information. Be educated from the local tours and support the businesses. Take cash. Rent a car to drive the required 40 kilometers per hour on the scenic but potholed roads. Cows and chickens have right of way (be careful of black cows at night). Go and enjoy it as I did for seven nights.
Judith Bond, Campbelltown, NSW
REEF GRIEF
If readers follow your advice to visit the aquarium at Reef HQ in Townsville (TravellerJanuary 8) they will be disappointed. It is being rebuilt and is not expected to reopen until 2026.
Judith Campbell, Drummoyne, NSW
EDITOR’S NOTE The online version of the story to which our reader refers has been corrected. Apologies for the error.
FAULTY TOWERS
Following on from Donna Ravenscroft’s letter (Traveller’s Letters, January 15), we also had an issue with a non-existent hotel in Vientiane, Laos late last October. We arrived at the hotel to be confronted with a construction site. Luckily we had no problem finding another hotel, maybe because it was just before high season. Our major issue was that we had used Qantas Frequent Flyer points to book through the Qantas hotels website. On returning to Australia I had quite an issue getting our points back. It took over half a dozen emails and even more phone calls and unfortunately I had to have it escalated, finally achieving success. Like your reader I will deal directly with the hotel in the future. Lesson learned, I love Laos and can’t wait to get back.
Mark Barrow, Fadden, ACT
LUCKY BREAK
Having returned from a two month trip to 12 countries involving 38 days cruising, six flights, 16 hotel nights, umpteen museums, churches and public transport rides I can confirm we didn’t catch COVID-19. We used masks only in super-crowded places. Airlines and cruise companies did not order them. So, provided that you’re not immune-compromised and are fully vaccinated, just go.
Eileen Hayse, Erskineville, NSW
HOW TO WRITE TO US
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The Letter of the Week writer wins Hardie Grant travel books worth more than $100. For November, that includes Ultimate Caravan Trips: Australia, Ultimate Food & Drink: Australia and Neighborhood Guide to Cycling: Naarm Melbourne. See hardiegrant.com
The Tip of the Week writer wins a set of three great Lonely Planet travel books, including Wine Trails of Australia and New Zealand, Gourmet Trails of Australia and New Zealand and Australia’s Best Trips. See shop.lonelyplanet.com
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