With reference to your front-page story (June 12) about Air Malta and the need to curtail freebies, many readers do not have the slightest idea what these really entail.

Many airlines allow free flights strictly according to space available. I cannot imagine how one is allowed to travel free, when there would be a waiting list of paying passengers.

Over and above the free ride, these special people insist on preferential treatment. They feel they have a God-given right to relax in the VIP lounge and choose first-row seats on the plane.

Free flights should not carry any additional benefits and any particular seat should only be assigned once all paying passengers are accommodated. Free flights also seem to mean travelling Club Class. Thus a passenger who would have paid the higher club rates would not be able to enjoy the best seats, even if such a request would have been made for medical or physical reasons.

Thus while I agree completely with Air Malta CEO Peter Davies, I venture to suggest that in future, those allowed to travel free or at a reduced rate, should do so in tourist class. Club Class is specifically intended for businessmen and VIPs. Staff accompanying a VIP should travel economy.

A restricted list should be drawn up of those entitled to reserve the first row: the President, the Prime Minister and visiting dignitaries. All others, including Cabinet ministers, should not be privileged at the expense of paying passengers, and if allowed to travel Club Class, should be assigned the remaining available seats.

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