Traveller letters

For subscribers

Beware this check-in flight scam in Europe

I recently tried to check in for a Vueling flight and selected the first Google link. Three days later, a €79 charge appeared on my credit card.

Immigration and security has become more efficient.

For subscribers

Airport immigration and security is still an embarrassing shambles

“New smartgates and upgraded luggage scanners greatly speed things up. Sadly, Border Force staff have not been upgraded.”

Qantas contacted a Traveller reader to say their flight was cancelled, but it wasn’t. It took hours of phone calls to find out.

For subscribers

Qantas told us our flight home from the US was cancelled. It wasn’t

“I rang Qantas in Australia twice but the call centre disconnected my call. I then called the US number. I was on hold for 45 minutes and then disconnected.”

Use the Mobile Passport Control app for smoother entry into the US, recommends one Traveller reader.

For subscribers

Here’s a hot tip on how to enter the US, hassle-free

“Having read the horror stories, we understandably approached the passport booth upon landing with considerable apprehension.”

Another Traveller reader has been denied entry to the US without explanation.

For subscribers

I’ve travelled to the US for 35 years. My ESTA was revoked without warning

“A few hours before my flight departure time, I received an email from US Homeland Security cancelling my authorisation to travel.”

One reader has had an unhappy attempt to Scoot back from Vienna.

For subscribers

My long-distance romance is stuck in a budget airline nightmare

Some low-cost airlines can end up costing you a high price in other ways.

One reader was unhappy with the arrival experience at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

For subscribers

I’ve been through many airports. This one’s arrival system is the worst

“There was no advice that we needed an arrival document and we were sent back from the immigration desk to fill in details on one of just three provided laptops.”

British Airways is still flying its old business class on some routes.

For subscribers

Business class on this plane is so bad, even the crew hates it

I recently flew business class to London, paying more than $10,000. The aircraft was 20-plus years old and had a seat configuration long-gone from other airlines.

Despite being booked through to Brisbane, our suitcases turned up on the luggage carousel.

For subscribers

We nearly lost our bags in transit, due to Qantas’ poor communication

“We were told that our luggage was booked all the way through to Brisbane … It’s lucky an immigration official advised us to check the luggage carousel.”