Barcelona by Design

What a great article on Barcelona by Debra Bokur in the June 2012 issue. Not only did I love reading about Bokur’s experience in Barcelona with her husband, but I love, love, love the Spanish city’s architecture. The photos accompanying the article took me back to Barcelona, one of my favorite destinations in the world.

Matthew Smyther, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Tough Choice

The choice between the Doha and Belize covers for the June 2012 issue was a tough one. I loved the Doha cover the moment I pulled the magazine from my mailbox, but the Belize cover was soothing and peaceful. Either one was an excellent choice for an excellent magazine.

Michelle Robart, Louisville, Ky.

Weight Debate

In our June 26 edition of eFlyer USA, we reported on Airbus’ decision to enhance the size of airplanes’ aisle seats to accommodate larger-sized passengers. The seat increase comes at the expense of the width of the middle and window seats. The new seats also allow airlines to charge more for the added space. We asked, would you pay more for larger seats?

Would I pay more for the wider aisle seat? Probably not on a short-haul flight, but I would certainly consider it for a long flight. More to the point, if they were going to charge more for the wider seat, I would expect the other two narrowed seats to be sold at a correspondingly cheaper price.

Steven Abrams, via email

No way will I pay for a wider seat, and I will avoid traveling on any airline that reduces their standard seat width to increase the width of other seats with the hope of improving their profits.

Gary Young, via email

New Friends

I became a member of a cross-functional multinational project team in 2007. Since accepting the position, my life changed. I have traveled on average three weeks of every month, mostly to Turin, Italy; Chicago; and Milwaukee. The travel is one thing. Seeing and exploring other locations is a dream come true. But being able to experience it all with other people you have just met is the prize. We all become fast friends and appreciate being in a new location and exploring it together. Most of the team comes from different locations, including Italy, Brazil, Slovakia, England, Ireland, India and Canada. We all now share a common bond and will always treasure our time together.

William Doherty, Brownstown, Pa.

Frequent Travelers Are …

Airport personnel recognize frequent travelers as those who understand when there are travel glitches, be it cancelled flights, delays or mechanical problems. We sit back and realize ranting and raving won’t change the situation and everything is being done to resolve the issue at hand. We plan our personal lives around travel and simultaneously remain flexible to the demands of our professional lives. People who don’t travel frequently feel we have glamorous lives, but when it takes 17 hours to go from coast to coast and your hotel room cancels as a result of not checking in, it isn’t that glamorous. But those of us who do travel frequently made the choice to commit to a job that requires being on the road, and there has to be enjoyment from it or we wouldn’t do it. Because of the hectic schedule while in the office, boarding a plane is actually a welcome relief. We are captive on the plane, being served by hardworking personnel, and are able to sit back and relax with no phones ringing and no individuals making demands on us immediately.

Alice Kong, Danville, Calif.

Enjoy Your Journey

I began flying internationally in 1996 and became a frequent traveler. To this day, I cannot describe the feeling I get as I board that jumbo jet to head off to some exotic destination on the other side of the world. Whether it is Hong Kong, Bangkok, London or somewhere else, to this day I enjoy the pleasure of flying. I still remember my first international trip and the flight attendant saying to me as I boarded, “Hope you enjoy your journey.” A journey it is, filled with excitement and wonder as I conduct business in many parts of the world. I think of myself as fortunate to have a job that allows me the opportunity to travel to many places. It is something I will never tire of.

Richard Stern, Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Business and Pleasure

My wife and I both frequently travel, and it is almost always dominated by business travel. Luckily, we share our role as chiefs of staff of a large nonprofit, and we are often able to travel together. The trips are usually hectic, with non-stop meetings from landing until return. We don’t have the time to enjoy each other while in sometimes-exotic places. So a trip of a lifetime for us would be a trip anywhere for just two, nothing to do but relax together. We decided 38 years ago to spend our lives together. We love what we do, but we love each other even more.

Michael Sorgius, Orlando, Fla.

Australia Bound

Exotic parrots, unusual animals, fragrant flowers, fresh seafood, friendly people, wonderful beaches and sunsets await us on our trip to Australia. Australia seems to have something for everyone. From the beaches to the mountains to the Outback, my fiancé and I can’t wait to experience it all!

Diana Rothermel, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Wedded Points Bliss

I got married in Maui June 15, 2010. By saving frequentflyer miles for five years, I was able to purchase tickets to Hawaii using miles for myself and my husband, as well as 11 of our closest friends and family. Additionally, my dad purchased three tickets and my brother-in-law purchased one ticket with miles. It was amazing to have such a wonderful, small wedding with my closest friends and family. I’m a veterinarian and university professor. I travel to developing countries, primarily in Asia, to provide educational training to other veterinarians. I have had many amazing experiences in Asia learning about different cultures and meeting hundreds of people.

Kristy Pabilonia, Fort Collins, Colo.

Family Bonding

I typically travel about 250,000 miles per year. I work for a small software firm based in Ireland, and I live in San Francisco with my wife and two children. The last couple of years have been extremely hectic at work. Feeling like I haven’t seen my family much for quite some time, we’re taking a trip to the Four Seasons Punta Mita outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for two weeks. No work. Just play and uninterrupted time with my wife and children.

Michael Manzo, San Francisco, Calif.

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