No stamp of approval

Regarding “Terrified by a Lost Passport” [On the Spot by Catharine Hamm, March 19]: The story described in the passport article sounds more like a hoax than a reality. Here’s why:

Once the passenger realized he had left his passport inside the seat pocket he should have contacted an agent. I’m sure, based on the seat location, they would have been able to find it.

He said he was placed in a cell. I do not believe that. Most probably, in his wallet he had some identification and could have explained the occurrence to the immigration/customs agents and asked them to help to retrieve the passport from the aircraft.

In the prolix article Hamm failed to mention the most important tip she could have given to travelers: Make photocopies of the passport, driver’s license, etc.

An 8½-by-11-inch sheet of paper can be folded several times and be placed anyplace.

The article did not help alleviate a traveler’s problem in case of stressful situations. JOHN ROSATI

Simi Valley

No. 1 tip: Scan a copy of your passport into a PDF and email it to yourself and/or travel companion.

You can access it from another computer and/or your smartphone. You can then show authorities your carry-along-everywhere copy of your passport. LARRY MARTINEZ

Santa Barbara

I have two “man purses” and use one or the other as is best suited. Both feature a shoulder strap and a beltloop backside. I use them to avoid sitting on my wallet and also as a secure place for wallet, tickets and passport as I travel.

Both feature hidden zippered inside pockets where I can carry items in complete security on my person. JON OLSON Torrance