August Cover Battle
Our August issue highlighted the winner of our second annual photo contest with Tamron. We featured the winning image on the cover and also ran a photo of the runner-up on our Mail Call page in August. Which did you prefer?
Selecting “Sunrise Over Port Royal” for your August cover was undoubtedly the right choice. The composition is outstanding and the colors so vibrant. It makes me wish I was there right now. And let’s face it, isn’t that what a great travel magazine like yours should inspire us toward? Congrats!
George Rhodes, Raleigh, N.C.

Art History
Irvina Lew got it right when she covered Madrid’s Paseo del Arte as a must-visit neighborhood in the Spanish city. That’s my favorite section of the city, and the museums are second to none. Travelers would be remiss to skip this area and the abundance of exceptional and accessible art on display. Visit this area — or better yet, book one of the recommended hotels and really enjoy!
Gail Hogan, Chicago, Ill.

Hot-Button Issue
In the July 8 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported the Justice Department is investigating whether some of the biggest airlines in the United States colluded to keep airfares high. Readers continue to feel strongly about this topic.
I do believe we are being unfairly and unduly charged by airlines that I believe are all collaborating on charges to receive even more money from consumers who can do little about it! I want to thank Congress for bringing this to our attention and hopefully doing something about it on behalf of all consumers; we are at the mercy of airlines that do not seem to give a rip about us.
Martha Coffman-Collins, Huntsville, Ala.

The fee that still really gets to me is the one on top of cashing in miles. In 2013, I decided to invite my sister on a trip to London, and I would pay for her airfare using my frequent-flyer miles. I was pleased to find seats were available using American Airlines and British Airways for a direct flight from Boston to Heathrow, but with a $680 fee on top of cashing in the miles.
I understand charges outside of the airlines’ control (taxes, airport fees, etc.), and I have no problem getting charged for those. But after much obfuscating, I learned that about $450 was fuel surcharges. Fuel costs were passed along to passengers, including those who were supposed to get a “free” flight.
I initially thought there was some mistake when I tried to book this online. When I contacted AA, they said it was a BA issue. When I contacted BA, they said it was an AA issue. I was told it was “a London and Paris thing,” implying there was some issue flying to those airports. I was told it was related to taxes. After some Internet searching, I found this was related to fuel.
Since airfares by that time were $1,200 at the cheapest and I wanted a direct flight for my sister, who has knee trouble, I bought the ticket using the miles and the surcharge. But I still think this is one for the Consumer Protection organization, as well as the FAA.
Jan Owens, Mt. Pleasant, Wis.

Plans Announced for $4 Billion LaGuardia Renovation
In the Aug. 5 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced plans to rebuild and redevelop LaGuardia Airport. The project will create a single new building designed to dramatically reduce flight delays and turn the airport into a state-of-the-art facility. We asked: Have you visited LaGuardia recently? How was your experience?
My recent experience at LGA was abysmal. Getting off the plane, the gate was overcrowded with people from two gates waiting for the next flight out. They spilled down the walkway into a narrow area of seats. My husband needed a seat to catch his breath and none were seen nearby. The restroom didn’t have nearly enough stalls or hand-washing facilities, nor did it have standard water-saving plumbing fixtures.
Signage to exit to ground transportation or baggage pickup was confusing, as it was two signs pointing together but separated enough you might not notice the other, and what they were pointing at was an opening in a wall that was rather narrow for the number of people expected to transit through. The place is tired and worn out. Sounds like they are on the right track now.
Terry Erickson, Round Rock, Texas

Airlines Restrict Lounge Access to Prevent Overcrowding
In the Aug. 26 issue of eFlyer USA, we reported on U.S. carriers restricting lounge access and raising membership prices to reduce overcrowding. We asked: Have you recently noticed crowded lounges?
Based on my visit last month to a lounge in LAX, I would say it was populated but not overcrowded. There were plenty of available seats. It did disappoint me that I had to shell out more money for my family members.
David Goldstein, via email

At the start of a recent trip, my husband and I were denied access into a lounge at LAX because it was “full.” The two ladies at the desk were a bit grumpy and wouldn’t budge and turned us away.
On our return trip, we were able to use the lounge. The place was worn out with stained carpet, not enough seating and really was a mess!
Joyce M. McPherson, Minneapolis, Minn.

There is always plenty of room in Delta Sky Club Lounges. There are times when we accessed the lounges awaiting an early-morning flight with maybe only one or two other members there! Yes, there are times when there are quite a few customers, but never to the extent of not finding available seating. It seems this is just a further attempt by the airlines to squeeze more money out of travelers’ wallets.
Carriers are continuing to manipulate their frequent-flyer programs as well, making it more difficult to take advantage of elite membership benefits.
Michael McMillan, via email