Ups and Downs of Flying

We are mystified by the complaints and anger evidenced in readers’ letters (“Frequent Phone Fliers,” April 2) encountering frequent-flier problems.

We have been AAdvantage Gold members with American Airlines for years. The AAdvantage personnel have always been gracious, considerate and helpful. We have never been told that there are no seats available for the time that we planned to travel; it may have, on rare occasions, been necessary to change our departure or return date by a day or two.

We cannot understand the continual complaints about airline food, seating, delays etc. that seem to appear with painful regularity in your otherwise excellent Travel section.

KARL and SHARON BREVIK

Indian Wells

A recent article in the Travel Section (“Looking Up to New Cabins in the Sky,” News, Tips & Bargains, Feb. 13) reported on American Airlines’ intention to rip out more than 7,000 seats in more than half its coach sections to give passengers about 3 inches more room between our seats.

When this is accomplished, I promise I will fly American wherever I go that it serves.

PHYLLIS BREWSTER

Arcadia

Most tall people (like me) complain a lot about the lack of legroom in economy class on all airlines. I have found a simple and cost-free means of increasing legroom by 1 to 3 inches.

Here it is: Before sitting down, remove everything from the seat pocket in front of you: in-flight magazine, duty-free goods catalog, airsickness bag, safety instructions, headset and assorted detritus of previous passengers. Place it all in the overhead compartment. Every inch helps.

CHARLES MOSMANN

Corona del Mar

Letters Annex

* More letters to the editor appear today on L25.