Letters: Paris viewpoints; airlines and pricing transparency; Travelers Aid

Susan Spano’s article [“So You’ve Seen Paris,” July 17] brought back wonderful memories. In 1995, we (my husband and another couple) rented a delightful apartment at 21 Rue du Cherche-Midi for a month. Big hotels were not yet part of that landscape.

But tell me, is Poilâne still at No. 8 on Rue du Cherche-Midi? What a joy to buy a baguette or a lovely large boule at the best bakery in the world. Thanks for the memories.

Shirley Porter

Sunland

Editor’s note: There are several Poilâne bakeries in Paris, and the one on Rue du Cherche-Midi is still open.

It was shocking to see Spano claim that mid-range rooms were now over $250. To check this out, I visited the website of my favorite Paris hotel, the College de France, in the Latin Quarter. I was relieved to find I could still book one of their superior rooms with a balcony for $169, including taxes. There is a McDonald’s nearby that is convenient for breakfast.

Tim and Cathy Morris

Long Beach

Try the Derby Eiffel Hotel in Paris. We stayed there for about $100 a night.

James Walton

Fresno

Airlines and price transparency

The U.S. airlines support 100% pricing transparency and believe customers should know exactly what they are buying before they make a purchase. The Internet and a fiercely competitive aviation industry ensure such openness.

Airlines adapted their business models to build closer relationships with their customers and to meet demand for providing the lowest fares possible while also enabling customers the option to pay for products and services that they value. The “Rule Would Help Track Fees” story by Jane Engle [More for Your Money, July 10] neglects to mention that the airline industry has invested millions of dollars in new and upgraded technology that enables these customized offerings.

Airlines compete on customer service and have been working hard to provide a tailored shopping and booking experience based on individual preferences in order to win more business.

John Heimlich

Air Transport Assn.

Washington, D.C.

A sad goodbye to Travelers Aid

In response to “Travelers Aid Society Is Grounded at LAX” by Chris Erskine [July 3]: The Travelers Aid program has been at Los Angeles International Airport for more than 61 years, and I have enjoyed being a Travelers Aid volunteer for more than 10 years. Now the Board of Airport Commissioners has decided it can do the job better.

So, why have the commissioners copied our uniform, our format, asked for our resources and asked our volunteers to train their “VIP” volunteers?

What an insult! Shame on them.

Mary Steinberg

Los Angeles