LEFT IN THE DARK

In the July/August issue’s star letter, Mr Wetton raised the very interesting question of why airlines want to encourage their planes to fly without interior sunlight. One must hope his story of a black tube on a daylight flight is an extreme example of poor customer service.

Being someone who eliminates jet lag by simply living the life of the destination, I always book a window seat and if there is sunlight outside when it is daylight at the destination, I open my blind to read and to help adjust my time clock. It happens that the occasional crew member asks me to close it, but I refuse. If another passenger complains I invite him to use the eyeshades provided by the airline so both of us can comfortably exercise our different freedoms.

It would b be a service to your readers to investigate and report if all a airlines’ B787 Dreamliners have the feature Mr Wetton d describes [window shade override]; where the feature exists exists, what are the airline policies regarding its use by the cr crew; and if other aircraft will be introducing the feature in the future. We will then know which planes and a airlines we should avoid if we wish to have a comfortable f flight.

It is a grea great pity the idea of flying in a dark tube has taken hold. A As a result today’s passengers do not have the pleasure of th the magic and beauty of seeing the sunrise and sunset; t the opportunity for contemplation as clouds formations ch change; and to appreciate the fascinating topography b below.

This issue’s winner of Letter of the Month will receive a cabin-size suitcase from LOJEL’s Hatch collection. The new-generation, hard-side suitcase is made from high-tensile polycarbonate and features a zippered bonnet designed for quick and easy access. For the chance to win Letter of the Month, email us at editorial@businesstravellerasia.com and include your postal address and daytime phone number. We reserve the right to edit letters.