A month's travel throughout the US brought some airport challenges, security procedures being one. But a highlight of our many domestic flights was the attitude of all airlines to carry-on baggage, namely one bag in the overhead locker and one personal bag under the seat, with no exceptions. Passengers with more than two bags were stopped at the gate and made to consolidate or check them in.

Another bright spot was airlines' rigorous approach to boarding, with specific rows or groups being called and again with anyone not in that group told to join the back of the line.

Would that our airlines followed suit.

John McCartney, Castle Hill, NSW

LOST AND FOUND

Cameron Earl's sad tale of lost luggage (Traveller letters, August 1-2) was so different to our experience in early June. Our bags were checked through from Sydney to Heathrow with Singapore Airways, with a fast plane change at Changi Airport, transferring to Virgin Atlantic at Heathrow to Edinburgh.

Our large case did not appear at Edinburgh, and was reported 'lost in transit'. By 10 the next morning it was delivered by courier to our hotel 40 kilometres from Edinburgh, and followed up later that morning by a phone call checking that all was intact, and letting us know that if we had purchased any necessities the cost would of course be reimbursed.

Good service, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Elizabeth Neilson, Tomewin, NSW

NOTES FROM SMALL ISLANDS

The issue that Scottish banknotes are not accepted in England and Wales as well as Irish ones (Traveller letters, August 1-2) is a complicated one. I have even had the experience of attempting to be charged an exchange fee for paying with Scottish banknotes.

The situation is that traders in England and Wales do not have to accept notes from Scotland or Northern Ireland, even though the British Parliament has declared them to be valid and of the same value as Bank of England notes.

The easiest way out of it is to change them at a bank or post office as they must accept them at their face value. This is a nuisance, and doesn't seem fair, but it is the way it is in England.

Tom Troup, Aspendale, Vic 

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

I have recently returned from a trip to Darwin via the Ghan with a tour offered to Litchfield Falls from Darwin. I was looking forward to a swim but the condition of the so-called change room and toilets was appalling.

Come on Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife - it's about time you put some of those park fees into a badly needed upgrade of these facilities. As the place was packed, I shudder to think what state they were in after we left by mid-afternoon.

Lorna Symonds, Wheeler Heights, NSW

I'VE BEEN TO RIO

I've just returned from five weeks in South America and was interested to read your cover story on Rio (Traveller, July 25-26). At the end of June Rio was very quiet with few tourists. There was absolutely no sign of Olympic activity or banners proclaiming the games in 2016 except for roadworks on the way to the airport.

We were also puzzled by the author of the cover story, Michael Visontay, referring to travelling on the historic tramway to Santa Teresa. They have not operated for four years and it was only on July 27 that a trial of 900 metres was tested, a year after the World Cup and two days after your article was published.

Finally, in regards to flying to South America, we flew Melbourne to Santiago via Auckland. We did not have to go via Sydney as you stated.

Brian Harrison, Ballarat, Vic

EDITOR'S NOTE Traveller apologises for the error and omission. The online version of the article on Traveller.com.au has been corrected and updated.

EDIFICE COMPLEX

Chicago is rightly famous for its skyscrapers (One day three ways - Chicago, Traveller, July 25-26). So, regardless of one's budget, nothing beats the Chicago Architecture Foundation's boat tour. Over 90 minutes volunteer guides interpret more than 50 buildings, including many of the most famous, that can be seen from along the Chicago River and canals. At approximately US$42 ($57) it is worth every cent.

Virginia Browne, St Kilda, Vic

SPLIT DECISION

After several negative reports on Croatian Air in Traveller letters, I was not looking forward to our recent short flight from Split to Rome. Maybe it was our age (not young!) but we were treated to five star service.

At Split we were taken aside and rapidly checked in. Then, when joining the huge snaking queue through security, my husband and I were plucked from the masses and ushered to the front. Ditto when going through immigration.

I can understand the frustration of our fellow travellers but we often find a friendly smile works wonders.

Helen Robinson, Killcare, NSW

NO RESPONSE TO BOOT

I booked a car online to use in France in June. As we would be taking two medium size suitcases weighing 18 kilograms each, I selected from their range of vehicles a medium size car which would take this quantity of luggage. From previous experience we had found that smaller cars, whilst fuel efficient and suitable for European towns cannot carry much luggage.

On collection we were presented with a Nissan Juke. Only one of the suitcases would fit in the boot and the other had to go on the back seat. On returning the vehicle I pointed out the inadequacy of the vehicle and their misrepresentation. The hire car company agreed with the short-comings of the vehicle supplied and suggested that I write to the head office, which I duly did but have received no acknowledgement or reply to date

John Fowler, Inverloch, Vic

WE WELCOME YOUR TRAVEL-RELATED OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES

The writer of the letter judged the best of the week will receive a Lonely Planet prize pack valued at almost $90, it includes The World's Best Brunches, The World's Best Spicy Food and The World's Best Street Food. See www.lonelyplanet.com Letters may be edited for space, legal or other reasons. Preference will be given to letters of 50-100 words or less. Email us at travellerletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au and, importantly, include your name, address and phone number.

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