Sharm el-Sheikh, security, and French Fields B&B in New Zealand - Open Jaw: Where readers write back

Form a queue: tourists at Sharm el-Sheikh airport earlier this week (AFP/Getty)

Flights grounded at Sharm el-Sheikh

I wanted to put across the views of expatriates in Sharm el-Sheikh. Yes, we know the airport staff are lax but we also know that no definitive answer has yet been given for the loss of the Russian plane.

We are horrified at the way our Prime Minister has handled the situation and devastated for Sharm el-Sheikh, as it will be a ghost town within two weeks. After 9/11 did we stop flying to the United States? Did we go and inspect American airports and their security provisions? No, we did not.

Even if the news confirms a bomb, Sharm el-Sheikh Airport must surely be one of the safest in Egypt now. It's ridiculous for tour operators to stop holidays and flights and they know it. Help us put pressure on the UK government by demonstrating just how many people still want to come to Egypt.

Alison Rayner

Alternative destinations for winter sun, in the likely event that Sharm remains a no-go area, are likely to be limited. So, early booking to the Caribbean, Goa, or Thailand would be best. Russians seem to be opting for Turkey, but that has issues connected with the weather and is also closer to Islamic State-controlled areas. Choices are limited due to visa restrictions, so Thailand may also see an increase in the number of Russians heading their way, even though the length of flights are a concern.

“Dabhand”

Time for some new security techniques?

Perhaps the answer is to redesign the way passenger security is conducted. Everything should be done before check-in. Passengers arriving at the airport can say goodbye to friends and relatives outside and then have their checked baggage, hand baggage and themselves fully screened before entering the check-in area. All airport staff should go through this same screening process. In other words, everyone and everything gets X-rayed before entering the building which is, in itself, a secure area. This actually happens at some airports around the world.

“Joolsaitch”

A better solution would be to drop off cases at the airport the day before you travel, then security would have 24 hours-plus to inspect your luggage. The luggage could then be delivered to the plane, once the passenger has checked in.

“Quanah 7”

A new system could mean Sharm el-Sheikh having to add another layer of personnel. These new workers would get an opportunity to insert bombs into planes, unchallenged.

“Geoff S”

Staff at the airports, especially those who have airside access, and staff who supply goods and services need to be regularly vetted. Airport perimeters need to be regularly checked and maintained. Anybody not flying should not be allowed near an airport, unless they work there.

“Ree”

BA versus Virgin I was interested by your piece about premium economy. Subjectively Virgin suffers when you get stuck on one of their tired about-to-be-retired jets (their 747s are donkeys' years old). But according to SeatGuru, Virgin's seat is 21in wide whereas BA's is a mean-spirited 18.5 - a single inch wider than economy. Roger Hughes

A B&B that really puts on a nice spread

Last year, I saw the French Fields B&B in Marlborough, New Zealand mentioned in The Independent. We have just returned after staying there for a few days during our honeymoon. I just wanted to say that I think you chose very well. It's a very unusual, but also very genuine place to stay. How can you not love somewhere that serves sauvignon blanc jam for breakfast?

Ben Thomas