Airline choice includes freedom from abuse

Readers discuss why American airlines are losing the loyalty of passengers. Other topics: drinking responsibly, Saudi bombing, road safety, mosque capacity and Pakistan cricket.

Readers discuss how American carriers’ service is why they are losing to Gulf airlines. Mike Stone / Reuters

I read with interest your story about US consumers voicing their views about their own airlines (Gulf airlines receive support from American consumers in open skies row for the Gulf, May 23).

Why should I pay American airlines my hard-earned money just to be abused? The whole industry in the US will have to change before I fly with an American carrier again.

Monica Carver, Dubai

Some of the Gulf carriers’ standards have dropped several notches but I find that Emirates remains in a league of its own. The service is always great.

Name withheld by request

Drinkers need to act responsibly

I applaud your well written editorial on responsible alcohol sales (Alcohol requires responsible sales, May 22).

I would however add a cautionary thought: reducing the majority’s freedom to protect the minority from themselves is a slippery slope that must be cautiously approached.

Education and support provide effective and more sustainable alternatives to restrictions, no matter how well intentioned.

Brynn Karch, Abu Dhabi

This should be controlled by those who drink alcohol – it’s their responsibility, rather than those who serve it. They should exercise self control and personal responsibility.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

In my opinion, the key quote from your editorial is this one: “As good hosts, hotels should understand and account for [the tendency of a few to abuse the access to alcohol] and play a part in preventing people from allowing their drinking to get out of control.”

David Blandford, Al Ain

Saudi bombers ‘not Muslims’

These people call themselves Muslims and yet they blow up people during prayer? (ISIL suicide bomber strikes at Saudi Arabian mosque, May 23)

What does ISIL want to achieve? To be the most hated group in history?

Nadia Sarie, Dubai

This is terribly sad and tragic. I believe these attacks are a result of sheer ignorance and lack of unity amongst Muslims across the globe.

It is high time that we, as Muslims, remain united instead of killing each other over such minor and insignificant differences. Islam is one, it is the same for all.

It is heart-breaking that these innocent people were killed while offering their prayers.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

This is really sad, though it does remind me of the proverb that we all remember only too well: as you sow, so shall you reap.

Palwasha Syed, Pakistan

Fixing DAFZA road chaos

After working in Dubai Airport free zone for two years, I am concerned about the unnecessarily dangerous traffic signals near DAFZA.

Just after exiting the Dubai airport free zone gate there is a traffic signal where traffic backs up during peak hours. What aggravates this situation are impatient, arrogant motorists who try to squeeze in at the last moment when the signal  turns green.

This causes utter confusion because other drivers want to speed off without giving space for others. We all need to reach our destination, but a little bit of patience goes a long way.

The road rules are meant for everyone to follow. I urge the authorities to investigate and monitor this issue, possibly monitoring drivers squeezing in from the wrong direction at the last moment.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

More mosques for summer heat

There are not enough mosques in the Mussaffah Sanaiya area of Abu Dhabi for those who pray to do so under cover.

This is especially so for the Friday prayers, when residents are praying under the hot sun.

I request the authorities to take steps to improve this issue before Ramadan begins.

M A Mannan, Abu Dhabi

Pakistan test is a return to peace

With regard to your editorial, Back to normal in Pakistan? (May 22), I hope both cricket and peace return to Pakistan and they have a wonderful series against Zimbabwe.

Iffat Malik, Dubai

I wish the Pakistani people peace and a great game of cricket.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi