First-Class Treatment

Regarding “Just a Few Rows of Seats and a World Away From the Usual Mode of Travel,” Her World, Jan. 13: I too have had the pleasure of a complimentary upgrade to first class and was initially puzzled about why they chose me.

A few years ago I was returning to my university in Guadalajara, Mexico, after being home for the holidays. When I checked my luggage I spoke in Spanish to the ticket counter attendants, as I had guessed they would be bilingual (and I can always use the practice). A few moments later I received my upgrade. Upon boarding the plane I was directed to a roomy seat next to a sweet Mexican grandmother whose children had arranged to send her home in first class. I looked around and noticed that all the other first-class passengers were Anglo men in business suits. When the flight attendants began to offer refreshments, I discovered that none in first class spoke Spanish, so I ended up translating for the woman during the four-hour flight, which I surmise was the reason for my upgrade. If so, it was well worth it. Any time I can be of service in first class in the future, I will happily oblige.

SHEILA PECK

Huntington Beach