Why is there a growing trend on long haul flights for everyone to be asked to close their window shutters? On a recent daytime Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Melbourne, the cabin was in darkness for over five hours.

In order to avoid jet lag, it is advisable to have exposure to daylight, and to stay awake during daytime hours, so it is difficult to understand why passengers are forced to sit in darkness. Am I being cynical in thinking that it is because it creates less work for cabin staff if most of the passengers are asleep?

Robyn Smyth, North Balwyn, VIC

LETTER OF THE WEEK

We two ladies of senior years have just completed a 12-day holiday in Iran, well-organised by Timeless Tours of Neutral Bay, NSW.  Over the years we have done a lot of travel but nothing in the past came close to this.  We were treated like rock stars by the locals,  as there was no way we could blend in. Our guide was a 28-year-old with a degree in English literature and it was he who helped make this trip so special.  He was attentive, informed and his knowledge of Persian history along with his sense of humour were outstanding. Many people thought we were brave travelling to Iran but we found it very safe and the lack of alcohol made late nights doubly safe.  My advice is go before the sanctions are lifted and McDonald's arrives.

Jane Gilbert, Temora, NSW

OH BROTHER

As vegetarians who only eat fish or seafood, the majority of the "50 dishes every globetrotter must try" items in your cover story (Traveller Letters, November 7-8) are of no interest to us. However the article on Ireland in the same edition and specifically the main picture disgusts us. To show the progress from hoof to plate is tasteless, with just the look on the poor sheep seemingly suggesting, "that is my brother there – am I next"?

Dennis & Judith Oppenheim, Old Toongabbie, NSW

WEIGHTY MATTERS

My God, here is that hoary old one again (Traveller Letters, November 7-8). I remember taking a DC3 journey from "Kingsford Smith Aerodrome", Sydney, In 19-something and we were all dutifully weighed, along with our luggage. A slide rule was produced, and the captain duly totted up the gross on put weight. Nobody minded one bit.

In this day and age where the standard seats have been redesigned twice to accommodate our burgeoning avoirdupois, with the ongoing costs flow-ons, one wonders about society's mental processes.

I believe it is called progress.

Rod Moore, Breakfast Point, NSW

I note with interest Joseph Ting's notion (Traveller Letters, November 7-8) that larger passengers should be charged more for airline travel than those of smaller stature on the same flights.

I assume Mr Ting will agree with me that it is only right that, in paying more, that we "biggies" get larger, wider seats (with increased leg room), more baggage and carry-on allowance (our clothing is bigger and heavier) and, even, dare I suggest it, larger meals and drinks?

And,  littlies, stay out of "our" seats!

Fare's fair!

Phil Branagan, Donvale, VIC

Once again Traveller publishes a letter calling for passengers to be charged by their weight. I am 188cm tall and weigh 110kg, the  former of which I cannot do anything about. I would love to lose five or 10kg and have a much bigger incentive than an airline supertax, but so far have been unable to do this.

Colin Kilduff, West Ryde, NSW

Charging per kilogram of body weight, Joseph Ting. Imagine how affordable it would suddenly become to fly with lots of small children and toddlers!

Deborah Brendan, Annandale, NSW

AT A LOSS

Singapore Airlines lost my baggage flying to Manchester (long story) and were willing to pay compensation but wanted receipts which, of course, I did not have. Who keeps receipts except for tax deductions, especially for old clothes, an old camera, film, my walking shoes, and the daypack itself, let alone hand-knitted gifts?

After three months, they paid 50 per cent of my estimated claim so I claimed the other half from my travel insurance. After three more months the company declined to pay up for the same reason, adding that I wasn't covered anyway, given the gap.

Technically they were correct but given that I lost out financially on replacing what the airline lost, it's tempting to double the estimate in this situation as they are not going to cover your real costs.

Either that, or you keep a shoebox full of receipts for everything you buy over 10 years or more.

Dr Peter D Jones, Lenah Valley, Tasmania 

FLYING HIGH

We are avid readers of Traveller and often travel to suggested destinations from your articles and use recommended services as per your articles and letters to Rants & raves.

We recently travelled to Europe with various stopovers both ways, where we took a total of nine flights on various airlines.  Qantas won hands down for service and quality of the aircraft, food and all aspects as well as friendliness. It was by far the most outstanding of the six airlines we travelled on.

Well done, Qantas.

Kim Popplewell, Bayview, NSW

TROPICAL BLISS

If anyone is thinking of getting married on a beautiful tropical Fiji island, look no further than Tropica Island Resort on Malolo Island. We booked out the resort for three nights, which allowed us to bring children. The staff just loved the kids. The food was excellent, the accommodation perfect and the staff brilliant. The "chapel" is on a hill with 250 degree views of the water.  Book directly with the island, do not go through a travel agent.

Mark and Sally Todman, Roseville, NSW