Letters: While traveling on airplanes this holiday season, keep these things in mind – Chicago Tribune

As the season for major airplane travel is upon us, let’s think about how to have a more pleasant, less stressful trip.

The rules haven’t changed. No liquids over 2 ounces. No coffee or water, etc., is allowed through security. So what’s in your backpack? In your hand?

Two carry-on bags are allowed on the plane. That doesn’t mean four bags stuffed into two or that a shopping bag is excluded.

Think about others around you when you recline your seat. Do you really have to?

If overhead space is at a minimum, why put your coat up there and then get mad when the attendant hands it back to you?

If you can hear someone’s music through their earphones, can they hear yours?

Babies cry. You cried as a baby. Do you really think the mom wants the baby to cry on purpose? Be kind.

The person in front of you is limping; it means they are hurt, so stop huffing and sighing. Be patient.

Once you patiently deplane, remember the purpose is to enjoy your time. Smile. Breathe.

— Clarion Myles, Deerfield

I read with interest the article on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reaction to grocery store closings in areas that are considered food deserts (“Lightfoot slams Whole Foods over shutter,” Nov. 17). As quoted, she threatened Aldi’s, telling the chain that there would be trouble for it in Chicago unless it comes to the table to talk. Is she taking a page from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ playbook?

I don’t know why Whole Foods and Aldi’s closed their stores in the Englewood and Auburn Gresham neighborhoods, respectively, but I suspect it was because those stores were not profitable. Moneymaking stores typically don’t close. Grocery stores are for-profit businesses, whether they are owned by large chains or run by families. Government cannot force businesses to operate and lose money. Government can provide incentives, as the city of Chicago did with Whole Foods, which operated in Englewood for six years.

So instead of telling Aldi’s it should be ashamed and threatening it, the mayor and the aldermen who called a hearing to investigate why stores are closing in some areas should look into why these stores are not profitable. If they aren’t profitable, they won’t succeed long term, and they will close. That’s Business 101.

— Clare Connor, Chicago

Regarding the crash on U.S. Route 30 in Indiana involving the St. Ignatius hockey team: I travel Illinois and Indiana highways on a regular basis and have noticed a dangerous tendency. Most of the large trucks speed way above the limit and ignore the truck lane restrictions. There are signs along the road that say, “No trucks in two left lanes.” During the pandemic, they stayed in the three right lanes regularly. Now I notice that many of them are driving in the far left lane traveling at speeds of 80 to 85 mph while trying to pass everyone. Many stay in the left lane for miles.

I have seen huge trucks tailgating cars in the left lane and trying to force them out of the lane. This practice is a recipe for disaster, especially in construction zones.

It’s rare to see the State Police on Interstate 294 in Illinois and Interstate 80/94 in Indiana. Hopefully, we soon will see the State Police enforce the truck lane restrictions and make our highways safe again.

— Louis Kollias, Orland Park

If Congress can codify rights for same-sex marriage, why can’t we the public consider nominating and electing a gay man or woman to the office of the president? Protections for same-sex marriage passed the Senate this past week, which is consistent with a dramatic shift in public perception. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage. This is a large tectonic shift over a relatively short amount of time.

If we can elect a Black man to the presidency and consider a woman, isn’t it about time that it becomes acceptable for an openly gay person to run for the office? The Democratic Party has a young, energetic gay man who is oratorically gifted: Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Department secretary.

While he is only 40 years old and has many future presidential election cycles that he could be part of, in my view, he’s ready now. President Joe Biden at one time said he would be a transitional president and pass the baton to the younger generation. After his current term, at age 82, it will be time for Biden to stand down and make way for a younger cadre of leaders to take charge.

Buttigieg is exactly the right person to accept this challenge.

— Ken Derow, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

So many people are willing to pay megabucks for the Taylor Swift concert but complain loudly about the price of gas and food.

There were so many ticket buyers that Ticketmaster had to close down the sale.

I cannot understand this.

— Charlotte Braun, Glenview

Note to readers: For a Thanksgiving-themed letters section, we’d like to know what you’re sincerely grateful for. We especially encourage personal stories. Please send letters, of no more than 400 words, to letters@chicagotribune.com with the subject line “Thanksgiving section.” Provide your full name, address and phone number for confirmation purposes.

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