27 AUGUST 2005, Page 41

Q. I always try to travel by budget airlines because

I adore guiltlessly spending the saving on clothes. In my experience the budget airlines are just as reliable regarding time-keeping and I buy my own Pret A Manger food at the airport. My only carp is the first-come, first-served seating arrangements. The last two times I travelled I had obese people next to me which gave me a sense of claustrophobia. How can I get around this problem?

S.T., Devizes A. When you sit down, get the sick bag out of the pouch in front of you. Hold it with your left hand in the seat next to you as though for imminent use. Wear sunglasses. Recline listlessly. If you see nice people filing towards you, move the bag swiftly away.