Sir, - What's surprising is not the increase in air rage, but its relative rarity. For all but a wealthy few, flying has become a deeply unpleasant experience.
First there's the airport chaos, and the lottery of flight delays. Once on board, you shuffle down a narrow aisle to seats that are perfectly suited to slender people under three feet tall. Finally, a tray is placed in front of you - it's food, Jim, but not as we know it. If you're a smoker, you're under real stress by now - a fact recognised by airlines, since pilots are exempted from the No Smoking rule. (If you're simply bored and uncomfortable, you can amuse yourself wondering what diseases you're picking up from the endlessly re-cycled air.)
Instead of a choice between frightful economy class or unaffordable first class, I'd cheerfully pay extra to fly with a company who offered me human class. How about it? I'm sure there's a market there. - Yours, etc.,
Gloria Hamilton, Osberstown, Naas, Co Kildare.