MESSAGE CENTER
Message Center
Sunday, August 20, 2006; Page P07
.
The Problem With Miles
THE AUG. 13 TRAVEL section was filled with interesting and useful information for travelers. All the stories were well written. Among these was "Hey, Partner, Where Are My Miles?" by Michael Shapiro. Fortunately, I have not had a problem earning the credit, but using my frequent-flier miles has become steadily more difficult.
For example, five months before a planned trip, I was unable to use my more-than-enough frequent-flier miles between Dulles and Heathrow on British Airways for two business-class seats -- nor was coach available for upgrading because frequent-flier space was not available anywhere. I have encountered the same problem on major U.S. airlines as well. Perhaps you could look into this aspect of frequent-flier usage: necessary lead time, seat availability, blackout dates, etc.
Victor Delano, Chevy Chase
Rhode Island Eats
YOUR ARTICLE on Rhode Island restaurants ["Clamming Up in Rhode Island," Aug. 13] was terrific, but it had one glaring error, perhaps an oversight, but worth mentioning in case anyone wanted to make Rhode Island chowder. The author forgot to mention the salt pork that provides a lot of the flavor.
As a transplanted Rhode Islander who now lives in Annapolis, I've e-mailed the article to lots of my local friends to confirm what I've been telling them for years: The best seafood, clams, fish, lobster, etc., are from Rhode Island. It's just one more reason they should put the Ocean State high up on their "to-do" travel list.
Linda Bednarek, Annapolis
'Trek' Time
THE INFORMATIVE article on the 40th anniversary of "Star Trek" ["A Celebration Light-Years in the Making," Aug. 13] suffers from its headline writer's misfired attempt to be cute.
Both in the real world and in sci-fi, a light-year is a measure of distance, not of time. Most Trekkies are scientifically literate, some are very much so. Revealing that you are not can't be a good way to gain the confidence of this audience.
May the Force be with you.
Joseph Fischer, Washington
Who Needs I-95?
I JUST wanted to add to your suggestion on that "I-95/I-64 escape route" [Coming & Going, July 30]. I live in Reston and I wanted to avoid the 95/64 speedways when going to William & Mary for a graduation ceremony in May.
