Q&A WITH STEPHANIE MAKOWSKI, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
March highlighted our GT Tested Reader Survey awards recap and inspired the question: Between customer service, product and convenience, which do you find is most important when choosing your favorite brand?

I’m all about customer service. I grew up working in customer service roles and even have a level of it still in my day-to-day at work, and really value when brands pay attention to detail. Providing great customer service is one of the easiest ways for brands to stand out in a good way.
GINA MORRISON, via email

I think products tend to speak for themselves, but convenience can really make a brand more appealing, depending on the situation.
ROB WELLS, via email

Customer service and convenience are key in a valuable brand. If I like the product, I’ll stand by it, but the added level of customer service and ease of convenience really put a brand above and beyond for me.
RITA JENNINGS, via email

737 MAX 8 AND THE FAA
In the March 20 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision to formally ground the Boeing 737 MAX, following two tragedies in five months. After this announcement, we asked: Are you surprised how long it took the FAA to ground the aircraft in question? Do you think the agency was irresponsible? A few readers wrote in with a response:

No, the FAA acted timely. But it is still culpable. Unfortunately, with new aircraft, often the “testing” is done at the expense of live subjects (i.e., the flying public).

I lay the blame on Boeing, with (possibly) computer coders with no aircraft flight experience designing cockpits and flightnecessary controls and switches. Also, Boeing not doing a full retest of the 737, rather only an upgrade to the Type Certification, and the FAA accepting that data.
ROBERT HOENES, Marietta, Georgia

I blame Boeing for this one. While the FAA should probably have jumped on it sooner, before needing more than one incident to force its hand, the research behind the Boeing accidents was lacking. The planes should have been grounded, regardless of whose fault, but Boeing especially needs to be held responsible for its own product.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.
WESTON REILLY, via email

It’s really such a shame it took these horrible tragedies to actually ground the aircraft. Clearly, it’s the fault of Boeing, but it makes you wonder what kind of testing and planning was involved in pre-flight prep.
SANDRA FISCHER, via email

SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES MAKES U-TURN FOR FORGOTTEN BABY
In our March 20 issue of eFlyer Asia, we reported on the Saudi Arabian Airlines flight turning around midflight for a forgotten baby. The pilot was forced to return the flight to Jeddah so a passenger could retrieve her baby from the terminal. The story inspired a reader to write in:

What a story! I check to make sure I have everything I need about a dozen times before boarding my flight. She must have been one tired or distracted traveler to forget a baby.

Funny because it all worked out, but what a frightening situation! I’ve never heard of a parent leaving their baby behind on a flight. You kind of have to feel for the other passengers on board and the domino effect of that flight turnaround; so many other trips must have been delayed because of that passenger.
RICHARD NELSON, via email

WELCOME TO BRAZIL
In our March 27 issue of eFlyer USA, we discussed the waived-visa requirement for travelers from Japan, Canada, Australia and the United States into Brazil. The new visa-free system allows travelers from the aforementioned countries to travel in and out of Brazil much more easily, after June 17. This inspired a few readers to write in:

This is great. Acquiring a visa for even a quick trip can be such a process and deterrent. I’m glad to be rid of it.
JACKSON WELS, via email

I’ve always been intimidated by the process of getting a visa. I hope this is a growing trend for popular tourism destinations.
REBECCA WHITE, via email

I had to get a visa for a work trip to Brazil several years ago, and I thought the turnaround was pretty fast and efficient. I didn’t mind the process, but I imagine I’ll go far more often in the next few years without it — and be glad for it.
SAM HUNT, via email

Q&A WITH CHRIS SAGER, ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Exchange rates and conversion fees can sometimes be tricky when traveling internationally, which is why I always make a point to do some extra research to make access to foreign currency as painless as possible.

When visiting another country with a different currency, how do you typically handle the cash process? Do you prefer to withdraw your money beforehand, use only a credit or debit card, or rely on ATMs after you arrive? Email us: letters@globaltravelerusa.com