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Sydney Morning Herald
13-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Warning over airline change-of-flight fee scam
Turbulence experienced My daughter bought a return ticket from Canada on Air Canada. She required a date change and Googled Air Canada and paid for the amended flight surcharge over the phone. The number on what looked like the official Air Canada website was, in fact, a scammer who charged her $C752 ($A851) for the flight change plus $C290 for the fare difference for the new flight. The scammer took her money, then contacted the airline and attempted to pay for the actual flight change fee ($C500), planning to pocket the difference with my daughter being none the wiser. However, the scammer attempted to pay the fee with a separate stolen credit card. Air Canada detected the fraudulent card and cancelled my daughter's flight ticket without notice. Air Canada refused to reinstate the booking or offer compensation for the cancelled flight. The airline told her to contact the insurance company, offered to her through its website when she paid for her ticket, but the insurer refuses to pay because the airline cancelled the ticket. Air Canada takes no responsibility and keeps directing her back to the insurance company. You have been warned. Karen Mentink, Burradoo, NSW Editor's note: This sounds very similar to the common visa and visa-waiver fee scams operating on the internet. You can read more about those here. Letter of the week: Road warrior Your story on driving in WA (Traveller, May 31) by Jane Reddy, brought back wonderful memories of two outback adventures also taken in motorhome mode. The first, with three young children aboard, was from Darwin to Alice Springs for a fortnight while the second, of three weeks duration, was from Darwin to Perth. Excellent advice was provided by your writer alerting readers to the availability of one-way rentals. We flew from Sydney, with return flights from the end of our fantastic road trips. This permitted us to drive from north to south, allowing the sun to highlight the brilliant landscapes ahead of us, rather than be squinting into the haze for hours on end. Both trips are wonderful, short outback adventures, but best done heading in the right direction. Bruce Pacey, Revesby, NSW Meal deal I also recently experienced the Qantas Dreamliner from Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth (Traveller Letters, May 31). The person in front of me also reclined their seat fully pretty early in the flight. I, too, was not so keen to inflict the same discomfort on the person behind me. However, after buzzing for the flight attendant I discovered that if it was meal time and I needed my tray table down to eat or drink food, the passenger in front should not recline their seat. The attendant asked the passenger in front to put their seat up and my problem was solved, or at least for the period I was eating and drinking. I, of course, decided that I would consume all meals slowly. It allowed me to get some much-needed relief on a long flight from what would otherwise have been an uncomfortably cramped space. Jenny Richardson, Hughes, ACT
The Age
13-06-2025
- The Age
Warning over airline change-of-flight fee scam
Turbulence experienced My daughter bought a return ticket from Canada on Air Canada. She required a date change and Googled Air Canada and paid for the amended flight surcharge over the phone. The number on what looked like the official Air Canada website was, in fact, a scammer who charged her $C752 ($A851) for the flight change plus $C290 for the fare difference for the new flight. The scammer took her money, then contacted the airline and attempted to pay for the actual flight change fee ($C500), planning to pocket the difference with my daughter being none the wiser. However, the scammer attempted to pay the fee with a separate stolen credit card. Air Canada detected the fraudulent card and cancelled my daughter's flight ticket without notice. Air Canada refused to reinstate the booking or offer compensation for the cancelled flight. The airline told her to contact the insurance company, offered to her through its website when she paid for her ticket, but the insurer refuses to pay because the airline cancelled the ticket. Air Canada takes no responsibility and keeps directing her back to the insurance company. You have been warned. Karen Mentink, Burradoo, NSW Editor's note: This sounds very similar to the common visa and visa-waiver fee scams operating on the internet. You can read more about those here. Letter of the week: Road warrior Your story on driving in WA (Traveller, May 31) by Jane Reddy, brought back wonderful memories of two outback adventures also taken in motorhome mode. The first, with three young children aboard, was from Darwin to Alice Springs for a fortnight while the second, of three weeks duration, was from Darwin to Perth. Excellent advice was provided by your writer alerting readers to the availability of one-way rentals. We flew from Sydney, with return flights from the end of our fantastic road trips. This permitted us to drive from north to south, allowing the sun to highlight the brilliant landscapes ahead of us, rather than be squinting into the haze for hours on end. Both trips are wonderful, short outback adventures, but best done heading in the right direction. Bruce Pacey, Revesby, NSW Meal deal I also recently experienced the Qantas Dreamliner from Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth (Traveller Letters, May 31). The person in front of me also reclined their seat fully pretty early in the flight. I, too, was not so keen to inflict the same discomfort on the person behind me. However, after buzzing for the flight attendant I discovered that if it was meal time and I needed my tray table down to eat or drink food, the passenger in front should not recline their seat. The attendant asked the passenger in front to put their seat up and my problem was solved, or at least for the period I was eating and drinking. I, of course, decided that I would consume all meals slowly. It allowed me to get some much-needed relief on a long flight from what would otherwise have been an uncomfortably cramped space. Jenny Richardson, Hughes, ACT
The Age
22-05-2025
- The Age
Jetstar cancelled our flight – then treated us like royalty
David Whitley suggests Manchester Airport as one possible UK alternative arrival airport to Heathrow (Traveller, April 30). It may be OK for arrivals, but not necessarily for departures. Departing Manchester last November the airport required all liquids and creams to be placed in separate plastic bags. Having a medication cold bag, including insulin, no care was taken to maintain a medication-safe environment, with freezer packs left out on open trays, every item in both backpack and handbag strewn about on multiple trays, and one officer removing the cap of my insulin pen, perusing it as if he'd never before seen one. Had I realised how dreadful security was going to be at Manchester Airport, I would have requested special consideration in advance to ensure smooth progress through to departure. Margaret Barry, Melbourne, Vic Perfection overrated Recently I stayed at a three-star unit in Adelaide. A sign on the fridge said any rating under 4.7 would be considered bad. I gave the unit a rating of 7 out of 10 as the lounge had no back cushions, one bed was very uncomfortable, and the shower design caused the bathroom to flood each time. I noticed only published the scores and not the comments. I then received a message asking why I hadn't given it 10 out of 10. I explained they could not expect a five-star rating for three-star accommodation and repeated the reasons. Why does everyone expect perfect ratings these days? Lorraine Phillips, Wollongong, NSW Consider Cuba I agree with Ben Groundwater that Cuba is a terrific destination (Traveller, May 4). Fortunately, we went there before 2020 and, as per his information regarding getting an ESTA to go to the US, you're still eligible for the visa waiver program if travel was before that time. You may still get a visa to travel to the US if you've been to Cuba post 2020, but it could take months and an interview. Susan Griffiths, Gerroa, NSW On points Often touted as an overpriced 'two-night-maximum' stopover for cruise ships or those travelling further into the Kimberley, Broome was well worth the five nights we spent there. Broome is a tropical paradise with great food, beaches and an interesting history. While it only takes a couple of days to 'see' everything, lounge by the pool with a book for the rest of the holiday and get some R&R. Use those long-saved Qantas points and travel in May or September for a cheap escape. Georgie Foster, Thornbury, Vic Travel privileges Yes, it's frustrating when we can't choose the seats we want on a plane, or when airports charge exorbitant prices for bottled drinks ('Hard to swallow' and 'System failure', Traveller Letters, May 10). But perhaps a little perspective is in order? About 80 per cent of the world's population has never been on a flight. Travel is a privilege. The fact that so many Australians have the opportunity to explore our planet's beautiful places is something we'd do well not to take for granted. Amy Hiller, Kew, Vic Made the switch Your letter about scams (Traveller Letters, May 10) reminded me of what made me switch from taxis to Uber. Years ago I was living in Melbourne and had just returned from a trip to Brisbane. I queued up, got a taxi, and we went on our way. We were about as far as Essendon Airport and I noticed the fare was higher than it should've been by that point and was ticking over quicker than expected. The driver asked me where I was visiting from, and I said I was a local. Suddenly, the meter started ticking over at a regular pace. When I got home he told me the fare and I asked what it would've been had he not been ripping me off at the start of the trip. He asked me what I wanted to pay. I've stuck to Uber ever since. Simon Goodman, Potts Point, NSW Maxed out I used to be frequently the subject of taxi fare ripoffs at its epicentre, the Gold Coast. One reason is the high percentage of 'maxi-taxis' where the driver has the capacity to inappropriately charge a multi-hire rate for just one or two passengers. I've since tracked down an honest cabbie who I use for all my travels around the area. She has assured me that all taxi complaints are taken very seriously. The important thing is always to get a copy of your receipt. That little piece of paper doesn't just contain a receipt for payment but all the details of your fare, such as time, flag fall and all charges. It can't be altered. Taxi 'cowboys' give all hard-working cabbies a bad name and deserve to be reported. Ross MacPherson, Seaforth, NSW Tip of the week: Happy teardrop island We have just returned from a 15-day trip to the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. It was reasonably priced, had verdant varied terrain, lovely food, incredible hotels, great safari opportunities and people unable to do enough for you. Put it on your bucket list and you won't be disappointed. We chose to have our own chauffeured car, and travelled with Olanka Travels, an online company who thought of everything – and it didn't break the bank. Elizabeth Kroon, Randwick, NSW Mama's favourite In 1975, I worked at the CSR sugar mills in Ingham, north Queensland, where the population was mainly Italian, many of whom were from Sicily. One of the desserts that the women made was savoiardi cake, a dessert that I had not tasted before. I got the impression then that it was a popular peasant dish for festive occasions. My wife, who was teaching at a convent school just outside Ingham, was frequently indulged by mothers, with gifts of savoiardi cake. Many years later on our return to Sydney, we found the cake on some restaurant menus as tiramisu. Peter Wotton Pyrmont, NSW I bought it myself Your tiramisu article (Traveller, May 4), reminded me of when my Italian husband would make this delicious dessert, soaking the savoiardi biscuits in freshly made espresso from his Bialetti moka pot, whisking the egg whites, the yolks, adding in the mascarpone, layering everything in a perfect construction before refrigeration. The end result was divine. But then he discovered Aldi's desserts which include a tiramisu made in Italy. It costs $7.99 for 500g and sadly for me, he no longer thinks it's worth the effort to make it at home. Veronica Lauria, McMahons Point, NSW Careful when you click I recently went online to book accommodation in England for a holiday. Where possible I like to book directly with the hotel, so when I saw the name of the hotel followed by 'guest reservations' I assumed this was their site. I booked two rooms for about $800 and received a receipt for $1300. The extra was for 'taxes and services'. If I cancel or change the booking, I lose the whole amount. I contacted the hotel and it confirmed that I do have a booking but that they can't do anything about the booking company. Very disappointing, but an expensive lesson learnt. Jim Noonan, Malabar, NSW Food of the Incan gods Ben Groundwater's article (Traveller, May 4) brought back fond memories of our gastronomic experience on the Inca Trail. For lunch on day 1, our porters served delicious avocado topped with prawns and fresh tomato salsa. Satisfied and rested, our group was ready for more hiking, when out came a main course, followed by a sweet treat to finish. Two days later for my husband's 50th birthday, our amazing porters baked a birthday cake using the gas bottles they'd carried on the 42 kilometres of trail, to heat a simple oven. Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic Ask the locals I have many vivid and enjoyable memories of meals I've had while travelling. As we usually stay in hotels, I always ask the person in reception for recommendations, and I have never been disappointed. When in Toledo we were told of a restaurant down a back lane. We checked it out beforehand and it was a dingy shopfront. However we went back later and had a magnificent meal. The shop had been opened up with many small rooms and a huge side area was also in use. It was crowded with locals and the place was rocking. Another rule (Traveller, May 2) – don't go where the waiters are wearing white jackets. Patricia Harrington, Kerang, Vic
Sydney Morning Herald
22-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Jetstar cancelled our flight – then treated us like royalty
David Whitley suggests Manchester Airport as one possible UK alternative arrival airport to Heathrow (Traveller, April 30). It may be OK for arrivals, but not necessarily for departures. Departing Manchester last November the airport required all liquids and creams to be placed in separate plastic bags. Having a medication cold bag, including insulin, no care was taken to maintain a medication-safe environment, with freezer packs left out on open trays, every item in both backpack and handbag strewn about on multiple trays, and one officer removing the cap of my insulin pen, perusing it as if he'd never before seen one. Had I realised how dreadful security was going to be at Manchester Airport, I would have requested special consideration in advance to ensure smooth progress through to departure. Margaret Barry, Melbourne, Vic Perfection overrated Recently I stayed at a three-star unit in Adelaide. A sign on the fridge said any rating under 4.7 would be considered bad. I gave the unit a rating of 7 out of 10 as the lounge had no back cushions, one bed was very uncomfortable, and the shower design caused the bathroom to flood each time. I noticed only published the scores and not the comments. I then received a message asking why I hadn't given it 10 out of 10. I explained they could not expect a five-star rating for three-star accommodation and repeated the reasons. Why does everyone expect perfect ratings these days? Lorraine Phillips, Wollongong, NSW Consider Cuba I agree with Ben Groundwater that Cuba is a terrific destination (Traveller, May 4). Fortunately, we went there before 2020 and, as per his information regarding getting an ESTA to go to the US, you're still eligible for the visa waiver program if travel was before that time. You may still get a visa to travel to the US if you've been to Cuba post 2020, but it could take months and an interview. Susan Griffiths, Gerroa, NSW On points Often touted as an overpriced 'two-night-maximum' stopover for cruise ships or those travelling further into the Kimberley, Broome was well worth the five nights we spent there. Broome is a tropical paradise with great food, beaches and an interesting history. While it only takes a couple of days to 'see' everything, lounge by the pool with a book for the rest of the holiday and get some R&R. Use those long-saved Qantas points and travel in May or September for a cheap escape. Georgie Foster, Thornbury, Vic Travel privileges Yes, it's frustrating when we can't choose the seats we want on a plane, or when airports charge exorbitant prices for bottled drinks ('Hard to swallow' and 'System failure', Traveller Letters, May 10). But perhaps a little perspective is in order? About 80 per cent of the world's population has never been on a flight. Travel is a privilege. The fact that so many Australians have the opportunity to explore our planet's beautiful places is something we'd do well not to take for granted. Amy Hiller, Kew, Vic Made the switch Your letter about scams (Traveller Letters, May 10) reminded me of what made me switch from taxis to Uber. Years ago I was living in Melbourne and had just returned from a trip to Brisbane. I queued up, got a taxi, and we went on our way. We were about as far as Essendon Airport and I noticed the fare was higher than it should've been by that point and was ticking over quicker than expected. The driver asked me where I was visiting from, and I said I was a local. Suddenly, the meter started ticking over at a regular pace. When I got home he told me the fare and I asked what it would've been had he not been ripping me off at the start of the trip. He asked me what I wanted to pay. I've stuck to Uber ever since. Simon Goodman, Potts Point, NSW Maxed out I used to be frequently the subject of taxi fare ripoffs at its epicentre, the Gold Coast. One reason is the high percentage of 'maxi-taxis' where the driver has the capacity to inappropriately charge a multi-hire rate for just one or two passengers. I've since tracked down an honest cabbie who I use for all my travels around the area. She has assured me that all taxi complaints are taken very seriously. The important thing is always to get a copy of your receipt. That little piece of paper doesn't just contain a receipt for payment but all the details of your fare, such as time, flag fall and all charges. It can't be altered. Taxi 'cowboys' give all hard-working cabbies a bad name and deserve to be reported. Ross MacPherson, Seaforth, NSW Tip of the week: Happy teardrop island We have just returned from a 15-day trip to the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. It was reasonably priced, had verdant varied terrain, lovely food, incredible hotels, great safari opportunities and people unable to do enough for you. Put it on your bucket list and you won't be disappointed. We chose to have our own chauffeured car, and travelled with Olanka Travels, an online company who thought of everything – and it didn't break the bank. Elizabeth Kroon, Randwick, NSW Mama's favourite In 1975, I worked at the CSR sugar mills in Ingham, north Queensland, where the population was mainly Italian, many of whom were from Sicily. One of the desserts that the women made was savoiardi cake, a dessert that I had not tasted before. I got the impression then that it was a popular peasant dish for festive occasions. My wife, who was teaching at a convent school just outside Ingham, was frequently indulged by mothers, with gifts of savoiardi cake. Many years later on our return to Sydney, we found the cake on some restaurant menus as tiramisu. Peter Wotton Pyrmont, NSW I bought it myself Your tiramisu article (Traveller, May 4), reminded me of when my Italian husband would make this delicious dessert, soaking the savoiardi biscuits in freshly made espresso from his Bialetti moka pot, whisking the egg whites, the yolks, adding in the mascarpone, layering everything in a perfect construction before refrigeration. The end result was divine. But then he discovered Aldi's desserts which include a tiramisu made in Italy. It costs $7.99 for 500g and sadly for me, he no longer thinks it's worth the effort to make it at home. Veronica Lauria, McMahons Point, NSW Careful when you click I recently went online to book accommodation in England for a holiday. Where possible I like to book directly with the hotel, so when I saw the name of the hotel followed by 'guest reservations' I assumed this was their site. I booked two rooms for about $800 and received a receipt for $1300. The extra was for 'taxes and services'. If I cancel or change the booking, I lose the whole amount. I contacted the hotel and it confirmed that I do have a booking but that they can't do anything about the booking company. Very disappointing, but an expensive lesson learnt. Jim Noonan, Malabar, NSW Food of the Incan gods Ben Groundwater's article (Traveller, May 4) brought back fond memories of our gastronomic experience on the Inca Trail. For lunch on day 1, our porters served delicious avocado topped with prawns and fresh tomato salsa. Satisfied and rested, our group was ready for more hiking, when out came a main course, followed by a sweet treat to finish. Two days later for my husband's 50th birthday, our amazing porters baked a birthday cake using the gas bottles they'd carried on the 42 kilometres of trail, to heat a simple oven. Roxanne Le Blanc, Croydon, Vic Ask the locals I have many vivid and enjoyable memories of meals I've had while travelling. As we usually stay in hotels, I always ask the person in reception for recommendations, and I have never been disappointed. When in Toledo we were told of a restaurant down a back lane. We checked it out beforehand and it was a dingy shopfront. However we went back later and had a magnificent meal. The shop had been opened up with many small rooms and a huge side area was also in use. It was crowded with locals and the place was rocking. Another rule (Traveller, May 2) – don't go where the waiters are wearing white jackets. Patricia Harrington, Kerang, Vic
