Lovely trip spoiled by carry- on with Jetstar

THANK you, Townsville. My wife and I have just returned to Sydney following a fortnight in your city.

Fifty years ago, we too, lived there. Your climate leaves ours for dead. Though I do wish you rain!

Our visit was caused by a family death and was consequently arranged in one day, only a day after returning from overseas. Everyone with whom we had dealings in Townsville, from people involved with the funeral, to salespersons in supermarkets and people sitting in coffee shops, has been positive and friendly.

Unfortunately, leaving was not quite so positive. Jetstar charged us $ 60 for excess baggage, for two CPAP ( Controlled Pressure Air Pump) machines as “carry- on” baggage. Travelling throughout the world, these machines are not considered as “chargeable carryon”. All travel advice suggests that medical equipment and medications should not be checked in for transportation in the hold. The staff, though polite, were nevertheless not listening to us and were dismissive of what we were saying. Our medications were taken and put in the hold.

Our attempts to have redress from Jetstar have been fruitless.

Fortunately our memories of this sojourn in Townsville are dominated by the pleasantness we experienced throughout, rather than the disappointing last hour.