Cell phone pluses

In his April ’09 column, Rick Steves referred to “the stringent US rules on limiting liquids on flights.” I would point out that he neglected to specify that those rules apply to carry-on bags, not checked.

In the same article, he wrote about the necessity of traveling with a cell phone. I use a Mobal phone (888/888-9162, www.mobal.com). I hate it for the hard-to-read screen and exposed buttons but love it because I pay only for time used, with no minimums per year.

I had a phone that used phone cards, but they lasted only a few months. Always inquire about expiry dates on phone cards.

Cell phones are wonderful when meeting up with somebody. It helps cool the blood when a “no show” can reach you to say how late he will be.

And it brings confidence to know that if I need advice, I can call the concierge at my hotel. Or, upon arriving at the airport three hours before my scheduled check-in at the hotel, I can be told, “Come right ahead, sir. Your room will be ready before you get here.”

G.F. MUEDEN

New York, NY