Trade Embargo
I just received my July/August Highroads in the mail and had to chuckle at the travel etiquette question (Miss Malsy, page 25) because the exact same thing happened to me on my most recent flight from Denver to Phoenix. I’ll admit I had a few pangs of guilt about being so unkind, but then I reminded myself that the young woman made no effort to ask the three other possible seatmates to trade seats. Giving up your aisle seat to the aged, pregnant or disabled is an act of kindness. I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone who considers it rude not to give up your aisle seat to an able-bodied twenty-something who merely wishes to be with her boyfriend on a flight less than two hours.
Tracy Lucas, via e-mail

I just finished reading your column from the reader who asked if it was okay to say no to the woman on the plane who wanted to switch seats so that she could sit next to her boyfriend. I enjoyed your answer, but there’s another reason to say no. On those airlines that still assign seats, if one were to switch seats and something were to happen during the flight (i.e. crash), the airlines would need to know who is in which seat.
Betti Miller, via e-mail

Your advice to the person in the July/August issue was way off the mark.  Telling people that they might suffer the rest of their trip with “the label cruel impediment to love’s union emblazoned on your forehead - not to mention a lonely boyfriend grumbling at your side” and “You'll have earned something more valuable than frequent flier miles: good karma.” This sounds like you’re running for high school class president. Most people that have reserved aisle and window seats have taken the time to book ahead. Flights are booked full and are certainly not a pleasant experience these days no matter where you sit. You should make note of the terribly rude behavior of the people who book late and expect everyone to accommodate them.
Karen Easton, via e-mail

Corrections
Information for Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market (July/August, page 31) appeared incorrectly. The market is located 12500 E. Old Spanish Trail. It is open year-round, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in summer; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in winter.