Rude fliers travel any class

I have seldom read anything so misguided as travel columnist Christopher Elliott’s piece “Putting entitled travelers in their place.” As a frequent traveler who has maintained diamond medallion status since the Delta program was introduced, I have a chance to observe the travel industry firsthand on a weekly basis ( Money, Monday).

I have seldom seen the kind of bad behavior described by Elliott, and it has certainly not been limited to “silver spoon” travelers. I dictated this from the Salt Lake City airport on my way from Flint, Mich., to Great Falls, Mont. Although my ticket cost over $ 1,000, I was not upgraded on any of the legs of my flight. Neither I nor my fellow travelers voiced any complaint. We appreciate the complimentary upgrades, but we recognize that they are just that — complimentary.

Elliott’s attempt at class warfare is based on anecdotal evidence. From my observa- tion, he highly exaggerates the frequency of such behavior.

While travel involves its share of rudeness, cutting in line is practiced by those from all classes who travel. Perhaps Elliott should consider a career in politics, where class warfare of the type demonstrated in his column has a long history. R. B. Ouellette Bridgeport, Mich.

Tips listed in a piece to address

the entitlement mentality of elite travelers who have outlandish demands and habits of cutting lines essentially became moot when the story was followed by a fullpage ad for USA TODAY’s “Road Warrior Voices.”

The ad stated, “Go elite or go home” and “get the tips you need to never wait in line again.” It’s challenging to scold discourteous behavior when it’s so highly encouraged and rewarded.

Chris Vaccaro Washington, D. C.