Q&A WITH ERICH MARTIN, ASSISTANT EDITOR

In our November issue, assistant editor Erich Martin discussed the myriad cruising options available for all levels of travelers and interests. This brought up the concept of themed cruises, which begged the question: Have you ever taken a themed cruise? A few readers wrote in with responses:

Yes, I’ve been on a Disney Cruise with friends and our kids; it doesn’t get much more themed than that.

JASON REEDS, via email

We were on a Disney Cruise over Halloween, which was fun!

REBECCA ANTOF, via email

FAVORITE CITY FOR ART MUSEUMS

In our Oct. 30 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed the opening of a
new art museum in Boston. This news inspired an avid reader and traveler to write in:

My favorite is the Uffizi, Americana and Pitti Palace art museums in Florence. I also love both the Louvre in Paris, with Napoleon’s Coronation by Louis David, and [the] Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. I’m a big fan of Rembrandt.

GREGORY W. HAMILTON, via email

CORRECTION CORNER

In our July 22 issue of eFlyer USA, we covered the then-recent news that Delta Air Lines would be eliminating sport equipment fees on flights. One reader had a recent experience with sporting equipment and wrote in with a correction:

Delta Air Lines did not kill the fee to fly your bike. The $150 each-way fee for a bicycle is still being charged. The carefully worded press release notes it is no longer charged on flights booked after the date of the press release. This was upsetting to find out when I went to check my bike case Oct. 17 on a flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix.

CINDY BRADEHOFT, via email

AIRLINE WATER SAFETY

In our Nov. 12 issue of eFlyer USA, we shared a recent report deeming airline water unsafe and of poor quality. A few readers wrote in:

I only drink bottled water because I am aware airline water is not safe. I’m always angry American Airlines has about three to six large bottles per flight from JFK to LAX. Delta Air Lines used to offer the teeny bottles. As for coffee, I thought boiled water was safe; now, I’m doubtful.

IRVINA LEW, via email

This is really obvious. Of course the water is stagnant and unclean, but it’s so convenient and a real shame for travelers. I always travel with a water bottle, but I don’t always have time to fill up in the airport or find a clean water fountain. Really disappointing, but not shocking.

ANGELA WEISS, via email

I thought everyone knew this! Airline water is filthy. Don’t even drink the coffee if you can avoid it; the water doesn’t actually boil.

ROSS FARTHINGTON, via email

BACK ON THE TOILETRIES …

We’ve covered in several newsletters that hotel chains are opting to ditch small, single-use plastic toiletries in hotels and switching to bulk options to reduce waste (most recently Hyatt’s decision in our Nov. 19 eFlyer USA). Readers have written in with their thoughts:

Yes, I do think it is another step in saving our environment. However, I do have one question based on what I have seen at other chains so far. How are they going to secure these large containers from intrusion? In today’s everything-goes environment, it is only a matter of time until someone drops contaminants in the containers to harm an unsuspecting user. As a result, I have started to again carry my own miniature toiletries.

JOHN BAILY, via email

It’s the best move these hotels can make. Such a waste! I take the small toiletries, too, love those little things, but I don’t need a restock every day. I have long hair, so the bulk option works better for me, anyway.

RITA VENTON, via email

I am going to miss these miniatures, but it makes sense. Much more economical and eco-friendly.

JONATHAN LAGGERO, via email

BEST AIRLINES TO FLY IN 2020

In our Dec. 3 issue of eFlyer USA, we announced a list of best airlines to fly in 2020, according to AirlineRatings.com. A few readers wrote in with opinions of their own:

I love JetBlue. Every flight out of JFK is so easy and convenient.

ASHLEY WELLS, via email

I know a lot of people who like Delta Air Lines, but I don’t get it, and its policy on pit bulls is a little dated.

ANTHONY MILLER, via email

I’m so glad to see Air New Zealand on this list! It has the friendliest staff and really professional, efficient service. Always a pleasure flying this carrier!

TODD JEFFRIS, via email

Q&A WITH MARY MELNICK, SOCIAL MEDIA & EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

With the winter months rolling in, there are bound to be delays and flight cancellations at airports, leaving thousands of people stuck. I remember one of my flights being delayed for about five hours, and my brother and I just couldn’t figure out how to make the time pass.

How do you pass the time during a flight delay?

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