Net gains

The final word on how to book a holiday, following stories from Bill Hartston (who could not find out what was available at half-term in the Canaries) and Martin Scudamore (who suggested how enterprising travel agencies could enhance customer service) goes to Jane Rieger of Birmingham.

Bill Hartston complained that no High Street agent could give him a straight answer about what holidays were available to the Canaries this weekend. Ms Rieger turned to the Internet. "My curiosity aroused, I entered the details mentioned. While drawing a blank on Fuerteventura, I was able to find flights to and from Lanzarote on the given dates, plus no fewer than 11 hotels which could accommodate a family of four in this period."