December Cover Battle
It was a celebration in December, as we crowned the winners of our 12th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards. Both of our cover options commemorated a good time, but ultimately our Cheers! cover won out. What did you think?
Your sparkling “Cheers!” cover prompted the following two thoughts. First, most bubbly drinkers may have forgotten the French word, onomatopoeic at that, for the sound that a correctly opened bottle of Champagne is supposed to make — not “le pop,” which instantly ruins the drink by releasing the bubbles the makers spent years trying to put in it. Soupir means “sigh,” and that is what one is to hear. The word and the sound are similar — in meaning as well as to the ear.
Second, and probably more significant, is the answer to the question, “What is the best thing to pour your favorite Champagne with?” That’s easy — the person you love. Cheers to a great cover!
Leon Hoffman, Chicago, Ill.

Lowered FAA Status
In the Dec. 8 issue of eFlyer Asia, we reported the United States downgraded Thailand’s air safety rating over concerns about the country’s ability to supervise the growth of the aviation industry. Thai Airways International insists there is no commercial or customer impact. We asked: Have you flown THAI recently, and how was your experience?
I am in Southeast Asia four to fives times a year, and most of my travels include at least one flight on Thai Airways. They are professional, friendly and efficient; and their aircraft are in good condition.
I also appreciate the availability of using Star Alliance award miles with THAI. I’m always able to find business saver award travel on THAI, whereas other carriers almost never offer trips using award miles. As their saying goes, THAI is smooth as silk!
Tom Linhard, via email

United Airlines Cancels Dubai Service
In the Dec. 15 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on a U.S. government decision to award a contract for travel between Washington, D.C., and Dubai to a foreign airline, prompting United Airlines to drop its service between the two destinations, citing an inability to compete with “the entry of subsidized carriers,” part of the ongoing battle between U.S. and Gulf carriers. We asked for your opinion on the feud.
Coincidentally, I read that article while sitting on the upper deck of an Emirates Airbus A380 to Dubai. I didn’t choose Emirates because they were cheaper than U.S. carriers; I don’t know if they were. I chose Emirates because their flight attendants are smiling and polite, the plane is comfortable and has a nice lounge to relax in if I want, they don’t lose my luggage, and I can actually look forward to my next flight rather than be anxious about it.
I have been let down by U.S. airlines many times, even treated with indifference and sometimes disrespect. But on that Emirates flight, I was valued, relaxed and ultimately more productive.
Jean Christophe Murat, via email

Just to let you know I flew Emirates from San Francisco International to Dubai in January, choosing them over Delta Air Lines through Atlanta because they codeshare with JetBlue. After the flight, Emirates told me my flight was not eligible. JetBlue apologized, although it wasn’t their fault, and gave me a $50 voucher. Emirates brags about their service, but most of the toilets were no longer working halfway through the flight, flight attendants left paper and such dropped in the aisle, and baggage pick-up was chaotic. On my next trip, I’m flying Delta.
Barbara Nechis, Calistoga, Calif.

Travel Study Reveals Best, Worst Airports in the United States
In the Dec. 22 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on a travel study by Travelmath ranking the best and worst airports in the United States. The smallest and least busy airports fared better. We asked: In your opinion, what is the best and worst airport in the United States?
I would say in the top 10 busiest, I like my home state airport, Denver International. The security area is easy to access at both ends of the main terminal and also leading to Concourse A. Plenty of good food and shops to meet your needs. I would love to see more direct international flights, but that is tough, being in the center of the United States.
Worst without a doubt is Newark (EWR), and following oh-so-close, La Guardia (LGA). Terminals are old and cramped; the pick-up area is a mess. Food and shops are outdated.
Bruce Kuhle, Colorado Springs, Colo.

TSA Can Now Require Body Scans
In the Dec. 29 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on a new policy mandating the Transportation Security Administration can require airport passengers to undergo electronic body scans. Protocols no longer allow for passengers to opt out of the electronic scans. We asked: Do you ever opt for a physical screening? Does this policy change bother you?
I always opt out of the millimeter wave scanners — despite the fact I’ve had some bad experiences with pat-downs. It’s very disturbing opting out may not be an option. Also disturbing is the rate at which airports/terminals are closing/just not having PreCheck, or not informing passengers of the availability of PreCheck in the next terminal over or of expedited screening. One of the reasons I got Global Entry was to ensure PreCheck and thus avoid pat-downs.
Elektra Hammond, via email

I’ve always opted for a pat-down as an alternative to the full-body scan, and I’m always surprised to be the only passenger exercising my right to that option. I thought the world had fewer lemmings. But the government has no right to subject me (or anyone) to a dose of radiation — no matter how small or infrequent.
I may be an anomaly, but I’ve never had a bad experience with a TSA pat-down. I’m always offered a private room, and I always decline. If something objectionable were to happen, I’d rather it be in full view of the traveling public. The officials — in my case, female — are always courteous. I’m sure they dislike administering the pat-downs as much as most passengers dislike receiving them, but they recognize it’s part of their job and make quick-yet-thorough business of this for us both.
If the TSA can afford full-body scanners, it can afford instead to hire a few more workers to perform pat-downs.
Dara Price, Wayne, N.J.