How to Get Your Way

Regarding Susan Spano’s March 5 Her World column (“Charm or Chutzpah? Try Either; Both May Help You Get Your Way”): I am always eager to learn what other women over 65 are doing to receive favorable treatment as travelers. I would like to add the following examples:

Checking in for a return flight from Tunis, I was told at the Air France counter that I did not have a reservation and would have to buy another ticket. I displayed my ticket with the correct date.

“Sorry, madam, this ticket has expired; you may purchase another ticket to Paris.”

I was first in line, and people behind me were growing restless. I stood quietly rooted to the spot, with body language that said, “I can stand here until Tuesday.” After a moment or two, the agent handed me a boarding pass.

Hours later, a friend who was attending a medical conference encountered the same situation. Her strategy was different but just as effective. She said later: “I went into my doctor act and told them that I was here at the request of the Tunisian government, and I absolutely had to leave the country this instant to attend to a critically ill patient.”

LEE BOTSFORD

Del Mar