Traveler complaints and experiences with airlines, trains, and destinations
Consensus Summary
Both articles feature a collection of traveler experiences and complaints about airlines, trains, and destinations. Readers shared frustrations with Etihad's 'Business Value' fare lacking premium amenities, Qantas reward point policies requiring double points for flight changes, and unexpected itinerary changes like a 20-hour stopover in Abu Dhabi. Positive experiences included China Airlines' business class praised for its comfort and service, similar to Singapore Airlines but at a lower cost, and the efficiency of the French rail system with senior discounts. Travelers also highlighted the challenges of navigating Venice's transit hub and the usefulness of disability access cards in Italy and France. Personal stories ranged from backpacking with children in 2017 to discovering a medieval village in France, emphasizing both the joys and difficulties of travel.
ā Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A 20-hour stopover in Abu Dhabi was added to a flight itinerary without accommodation after the original flight was cancelled
- A ā¬20 ($33) porter fee per item was charged for luggage assistance in Venice, Italy
- A flight from Bologna to Rome Termini was booked on Tren Italia but ended up being an Italo train
- China Airlines business class was praised for being as comfortable as Singapore Airlines but at a lower cost
- A suitcase weight limit of 10 kilograms was mentioned for easier handling
- The Invisible Disabilities Australia National Access Card and Hidden Disabilities Card provided free entry to museums and galleries in Italy and Paris
- A 13th-century medieval village in south-west France called Lauzerte was purchased for ā¬160,000 ($264,000) in 2010
- A family took their three children backpacking for a year in 2017, with ages 6, 8, and 9 at the time
- May is referred to as 'roses month' in the Caucasus region
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- An Etihad 'Business Value' return flight from Rome to Sydney in June excluded lounge access, advance seat selection, and onboard Wi-Fi
- A faulty headphone socket and disappointing food and service were reported on the Etihad flight
- A Qantas first-class flight on reward points required double the points to change or exchange, or a 10-day wait for points to be returned
- A flight to Morocco involved a three-leg journey with luggage trackers placed in checked suitcases
- A train in France last year offered assistance on every occasion except one, with a suitcase under 10 kilograms
- A series titled 'Happy places' invited readers to submit their cherished holiday destinations
- A 'Letter of the Week' writer won three Hardie Grant travel books, and a 'Tip of the Week' writer won a set of three Lonely Planet travel books
- A flight to Venice involved a cruise ending in Fusina, requiring an hourās drive to Venice
- A flight from Dubai to Geneva on Emirates included binoculars handed to a passenger by a crew member in a gold embroidered uniform
- A limited vegetarian menu was noted on China Airlines flights, but an attendant found a delicious off-menu meal
- An article about an event due in October 2027 was mentioned by Heather Barker
- A train from Bologna to Rome Termini was booked on Tren Italia but departed at a slightly different time than the ticket
- A train from Bologna to Rome Termini was booked to depart at 12:35 pm
- A train from Bologna to Rome Termini required boarding car seven to reach Rome
- A train from Bologna to Rome Termini was on platform 19, not platform 1
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The train from Bologna to Rome Termini was booked on Tren Italia but departed from platform 19, while one source says the readers were at platform 1 and had to walk to platform 19
- The train from Bologna to Rome Termini was booked to depart at 12:35 pm, but the departure time on the ticket was slightly different
Source Articles
I expect business class to be a premium experience. This was anything but
My āBusiness Valueā fare to Rome excluded lounge access, seat selection and onboard Wi-Fi, but the problems didnāt end there.
I expect business class to be a premium experience. This was anything but
My āBusiness Valueā fare to Rome excluded lounge access, seat selection and onboard Wi-Fi, but the problems didnāt end there.